(KYCPG)–If it’s too tough to talk about — text. If there’s more to explain — chat. Either way, Kentucky’s problem gambling helpline — 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) is available. Trained telephone counselors are on call all day, every day.
The problem gambling helpline could be busy on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 4, the single largest gambling day in America each year. The American Gaming Association (AGA), the trade association for casinos, estimates approximately $4.76 billion will be bet on Super Bowl 52. The AGA reports 97 percent of total wagers, about $4.6 billion, are illegal bets.
Most Super Bowl bets, whether legal or illegal, are made for entertainment; however, some betters will go beyond entertainment. They have a gambling problem or addiction. For those who realize they need help, or if family or friends suggest there may be a problem, help is as easy as a phone call to 1-800-GAMBLER. Texts can be sent to the same number. Chat services can be accessed through a link at www.kycpg.org or www.kygamblinghelp.org.
Provided by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) and supported by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation and the Kentucky Department of Charitable Gaming, the problem gambler helpline offers telephone counseling, referral to Gamblers Anonymous or certified gambler counselors, or printed material that can be sent via mail.
A simple two-question self-test can indicate whether someone has a gambling problem.
• Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
• Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
If the answer is “yes” to either question, it is likely there may be a gambling problem.
For the average person, practicing responsible gaming can keep gambling as entertainment and not a problem. the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) offers a three-question responsibility test. Before gambling, ask yourself these three questions:
• WHETHER you should gamble, knowing that losing is likely, that you cannot control chance, and that it doesn’t interfere with other responsibilities?
• WHEN is it appropriate to gamble, understanding that gambling is not a healthful way to deal with emotions or stress?
• HOW MUCH money and time can you gamble, recognizing gambling is entertainment and not an essential expenditure of time or money?
If there is a gambling problem or addiction, recovery is possible. When gambling is no longer a game, when the fun is gone, there is help. KYCPG, which neither supports nor opposes gambling, urges everyone to keep gambling fun and play the games in a safe, healthful and responsible manner. But if help is needed, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
