Helplines available for problem gamblers
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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, symptoms include:
— Increasing preoccupation with gambling;
— A need to bet more money more frequently;
— “Chasing” losses, or betting even more to try to recoup previous losses;
— Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop;
— Loss of control manifested by continuation of gambling in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.
In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.
Anyone who gambles can develop problems. The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes problematic. Gambling becomes an issue when it causes a negative impact on any area of a person’s life.
About 2 million U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4 to 6 million meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
The Michigan Lottery reminds players that the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline is available to provide free, one-on-one support for anyone who may have a problem. For confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, players can call 800-270-7117. Chat and text options also are available through www.michiganlottery.com.
In Wisconsin, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLE-5 or 1-800-426-2535. Online chatting and texting are also available at 850-888-4673. Calling, online chatting, and texting is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network is available at 1-800-522-4700 or go to www.ncpg.org/chat for confidential help.
To learn more about the warning signs of problem gaming, go to http://bit.ly/2lSge1e.
