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:

Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
Household items and valuables missing
Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
Borrowing money on a regular basis
Having many loans at the one time
Being secretive about financial records or payslips
Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
Lack of food in the house

Gambling is causing mood or behavioral changes:

Deflection, rationalizing, minimizing
Dishonesty
Performance at work is being affected
Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
Controlling and/or manipulative behavior
Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.
Defensiveness about gambling

Other warning signs:

Withdrawal when not gambling
Becoming overly invested in a game
A family history of addiction
Other addictions
Proximity to a casino

Take this quiz to understand if your gambling or gaming habits are problematic.

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

Reasons For Gambling

To provide excitement, get a rush of adrenaline
To be more social, overcome shyness or isolation
To numb unpleasant feelings, not think about problems
Boredom or loneliness
To relax after a stressful day
To solve money problems

Types of Gambling

Casino
Lottery
Off track betting
Sports betting/fantasy sports
Charitable games
Online gambling
Stock market
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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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National Council on Problem Gambling

Major National Council programs include:

The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-GAMBLER), a single national access point to local resources.
The annual National Conference on Problem Gambling, the world’s oldest and largest problem gambling-specific conference.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (annually in March).
Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign (annually in December).
Providing education on problem gambling issues to Federal, state, tribal and international governments and agencies.
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

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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.

1-888-789-7777

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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