WY-CPG-slide.jpeg
GET HELP
24 HOUR CONFIDENTIAL NATIONAL HELPLINE
Call: 1-800-GAMBLER Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org Text: 800GAM

WE ARE THE VOICE OF HOPE FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING
ADVOCACY / AWARENESS / ASSISTANCE
The Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling is very appreciative of the support received from the gambling and gaming industry through their programs encouraging responsible gambling.

WHAT IS A GAMBLING PROBLEM?

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, Problem gambling–or gambling addiction–includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.

The symptoms include increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior 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.

For more information on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria for gambling addiction, please see the DSM 5 at www.psych.org.

Did you know?

2 MILLION
U.S. adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for
severe gambling problems in a given year.
4-6 MILLION
(2-3%) would be considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction but meet one or more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior.

Approximately
85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives;

60% in the past year.

Some form of legalized gambling is available in
48 STATES
plus the District of Columbia. The two without legalized gambling are Hawaii and Utah.

National Council on Problem Gambling estimates the annual national social cost of problem gambling is
$7 BILLION.

These costs include gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending as well as job loss, bankruptcy and other consequences. This estimate was based on research from the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission updated to account for inflation and current rates of problem gambling.

Joanna Franklin: Signs Of Gambling Problem
  • One individual who struggles with problems due to gambling negatively affects 7-10 people within their immediate circle.
  • Gambling should never be viewed as a financial solution.
  • Individuals with substance use and mental health disorders are at a higher risk for having a gambling problem.
  • Relationship violence and child abuse are correlated with problem gambling and severely aggravated if substance use is involved.
  • 50% of people struggling with problems due to gambling/gambling addiction have had thoughts of suicide.
  • Although gambling is illegal for youth under the age of 18, 33% of Maryland high school students’ gamble. Of that group, 30% will develop a gambling problem.
  • Nearly 10% of US Veterans struggle with disordered gambling, a rate two-three times higher than the general population.

WARNING SIGNS

Are you or someone you know –

  • Preoccupied with gambling
  • Secretive about his/her gambling habits, and defensive when confronted
  • Increasing bet amounts when gambling in order to achieve the desired excitement (aka: high)
  • Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling
  • Restless or irritable when not gambling
  • Gambling when distressed (helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed)
  • Chasing losses with more gambling
  • Lying to family and others about the extend of gambling
  • Jeopardizing or losing relationships, jobs, or educational or career opportunities because of gambling
  • Relying on others to bail him or her out to relieve money problems caused by gambling

Gambling Problem Prevention Tips

  • Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money
  • Set a budget BEFORE you start to gamble and stick to it
  • Never chase losses
  • Limit your time to gamble
  • Don’t mix drinking and gambling
  • Balance gambling with other recreational activities

Self-Evaluation