March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
The Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) Army Substance Abuse Program team joins with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to raise awareness and create action for those suffering from gambling problems.
According to the NCPG, contacts to the National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-5224700) spike during March, often in conjunction with March Madness games. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the states could allow sports betting – with March Madness seeing over 8 billion wagered on games annually. Keith Whyte, the Executive Director of NCPG said “Too many people still don’t recognize they are exhibiting signs of this addictive behavior and are unaware of the help that is available to them.” White also noted “Problem Gambling is certainly not confined to sports betting. We want anyone who may have a problem with any form of gambling to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Other gambling activities include lottery, scratch tickets, cards, and gaming machines. Whatever the method, many people have gambled at some point in their lives. This doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. For those that may be suffering from this disorder, lives, careers, and families are significantly affected. Some warning signs of a possible gambling problem include: Dishonesty about gambling habits, gambling more than you can afford to lose, gambling until all the money is gone, and gambling to recover losses.
Some responsible gambling tips include: only gamble with money you have; don’t borrow or use money intended for necessities, set budget and time limits, don’t try to win back what was lost, know how the game works before you wager, don’t gamble when upset or stressed, limit alcohol intake while gambling, and take frequent breaks.
If you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, help is available. The YPG Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can assist in understanding the issue, conduct short-term assistance, and connect with resources. The National
Problem Gambling Helpline can link people with counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups; they can be reached at 1(800)522-4700 or ncpgambling. org/chat. Finally, the Arizona Council on Compulsive
Gambling can also provide resources available here in Arizona. They can be contacted at 1-800-777-7207.
This article is intended to be a starting point. If gambling is causing a problem in your work, home, or personal life, we encourage you to take action.
Ask questions, do research, gather information, and don’t hesitate to reach out to find the best solution for your situation.
The EAP will be doing a problem gambling informational brief via Teams on 14 March at 8 A.M. Contact Scott Zaehler at scott.r.zaehler.civ@army.mil for more information on this, or any other subject related to gambling, substance use or adult living conditions (work, life, home stress), we are here to assist.