PROBLEM GAMBLING & GAMING
Gambling is defined as betting money or material goods on an event with an uncertain outcome in the hope of winning additional money and/or material goods.
When does gambling turn into Problem Gambling?
Common warning signs and symptoms of Problem Gambling
Gambling is causing financial issues:
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Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
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Household items and valuables missing
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Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
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Borrowing money on a regular basis
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Having many loans at the one time
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Being secretive about financial records or payslips
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Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
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Lack of food in the house
Gambling is causing mood or behavioral changes:
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Deflection, rationalizing, minimizing
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Dishonesty
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Performance at work is being affected
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Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
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Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
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Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
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Controlling and/or manipulative behavior
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Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.
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Defensiveness about gambling
Other warning signs:
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Withdrawal when not gambling
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Becoming overly invested in a game
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A family history of addiction
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Other addictions
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Proximity to a casino
Gambling becomes a probelm when it negatively affects a persons life and wellbeing.
A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently.
Gambling problems affect people of all levels of intelligence and all backgrounds.
Problem gamblers often try to rationalize their behavior and may blame others to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
Quick fix solutions may actually make matters worse by enabling the gambling addiction
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To provide excitement, get a rush of adrenaline
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To be more social, overcome shyness or isolation
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To numb unpleasant feelings, not think about problems
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Boredom or loneliness
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To relax after a stressful day
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To solve money problems
Types of Gambling
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Casino
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Lottery
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Off track betting
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Sports betting/fantasy sports
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Charitable games
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Online gambling
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Stock market
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Cryptocurrency
Connecticut Gambling Statistics
Where to Get Help
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Problem Gambling Services
Confidential, 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline
(888-789-7777)
Mission: To provide a comprehensive network of consumer-oriented problem gambling recovery services for people of Connecticut and to foster an environment throughout the State that promotes informed choices around gambling behavior.
Gam-Anon International Service Office, Inc.
PURPOSES OF GAM-ANON
1. To welcome and give assistance and comfort to those affected by someone else's gambling problem.
2. To communicate Gam-Anon's understanding of compulsive gambling and its impact on our lives.
3. To share our experience, strength, and hope in coping with the gambling problem.
4. To use the Steps and Tools of the Gam-Anon program which nurture our spiritual and emotional growth and recovery.
(718) 352-1671
CCAR
CCAR is a centralized resource in CT for all things recovery. Whether you are contemplating a life in recovery, are new to recovery or are in long-term recovery, CCAR is here to help you to navigate the recovery community, by connecting you with others in recovery and providing access to area support services.
GET IN TOUCH
p- 866-205-9770
f- 860-244-2228
Connecticut & Western Massachusetts Gamblers Anonymous
This website answers basic questions about problem gambling, compulsive gambling and gambling addiction. It also describes the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Step Recovery Program. It is modeled on other 12 Step Recovery Programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
To speak with someone: Dial (855) 222-5542
Email: ctwmaga@yahoo.com
MCAA
MCCA’s mission is to provide HELP and instill HOPE for individuals, families and organizations working to overcome and prevent addictions.
Click the link below to go to the
Live Chat page or call (888) 789-7777 or
Text “CTGAMB” to 53342.
National Council on Problem Gambling
Major National Council programs include:
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The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-GAMBLER), a single national access point to local resources.
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The annual National Conference on Problem Gambling, the world’s oldest and largest problem gambling-specific conference.
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National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (annually in March).
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Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign (annually in December).
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Providing education on problem gambling issues to Federal, state, tribal and international governments and agencies.
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Distribution of information on problem gambling and gambling addiction treatment, research and recovery.
24 Hour Confidential National Helpline
Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Chat 1800gamblerchat.org
Text 800GAM
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
CCPG provides Connecticut’s only 24-hour Problem Gambling Helpline, offering support via phone, chat, and text. CCPG also implements advocacy, prevention, outreach, and education programs serving students, veterans, and other at-risk populations.
Help is available.
Calls/Chat are available for FREE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gambling Responsibly
Gambling responsibly means taking steps to reduce risks or harms to yourself that can occur when gambling.
○ Make a plan before you gamble.
○ Set a limit on how much time you plan to spend gambling.
○ Set a limit on how much money you plan to gamble
○ Take frequent breaks while gambling
○ Avoid drinking alcohol while gambling
○ Know how the games work and the odds of winning
○ Avoid chasing losses
○ Gamble when you’re feeling positive and looking to have fun
Gambling vs. Gaming
Gaming is playing electronic games, whether through consoles, computers, tablets, phones, etc.
GAMBLING AND GAMING SIMILARITIES
If your game sessions tend to be several hours long or stretch late into the night, that is a behavior that is also associated with gambling.
Games offering opportunities for login rewards create the habit of gaming every day that is a behavior that is also associated with gambling.
If your game has microtransactions where the item costs for elite gear gets more and more expensive, that is a behavior that is also associated with gambling.
If the games you play offer loot boxes filled with mostly low-level loot but also has a random chance for a rare item, that is a behavior that is also associated with gambling.
2.5 billion people game worldwide
Average age of gamers is 33
Ages 18-25 are most at risk for developing a problem
Gamers are
54% male
&
46% female
3-4% of gamers struggle with problematic gaming
GAMING: HOBBY VS PROBLEM
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Plays for fun
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Performs at school
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Has other hobbies/interests
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Games in their free time
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Can take break easily
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Normal sleep schedule
VS.
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Plays because they can’t stop
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Withdrawn from school
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Gaming is the only thing they do
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No amount is enough
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Has withdrawal symptoms
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Stays up all night gaming
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