For most, gambling is an occasional and entertaining outlet. For others, it can morph into an addiction ripe with financial trouble, strained relationships, job issues and health problems. We’re here to bring guidance and hope, all without judgement.
Gamble Responsibly | Tips
While it’s possible to win money gambling, it’s unlikely anyone will come out ahead in the long run. Here are some tips to “Stay Outta the Danger Zone.”
- Set limits on the money you spend and stick to them!
- Bet only what you can afford to lose.
- Don’t use drugs or limit alcohol when gambling.
- Take breaks! Take a walk every 15 minutes or so.
- Avoid gambling when depressed, upset or alone.
- Know your odds-the house will always win eventually.
- Know when to get help; free and confidential support is available here.
Did you know? Gambling is illegal for minors; do not gift minors lottery tickets or have them place bets on your phone/account. For the 411 for parents on youth gambling, see here.
Know the Warning Signs
What’s your risk for a gambling disorder? This brief self-assessment can help determine your risk to “Stay Outta the Danger Zone.”
- Ever lied to cover up gambling activities?
- Do you need to increase the amount you gamble to achieve a level of desired excitement?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down or stop gambling?
- Have you tried to cut back on gambling but were unsuccessful?
- Do you think about gambling often?
- Do you gamble when you are distressed?
- Do you gamble to try and win back the money you lost the last time you gambled?
- Has gambling negatively affected your employment or relationships with loved ones?
- Has gambling caused you to rely on others for money problems?
Answering ‘yes‘ to 1-3 of these statements puts you “at risk” of a gambling disorder, with ‘yes‘ to 4 or more constituting a gambling disorder. If you or a loved one needs help, free and confidential resources are available, here.
The 411 for Parents
Using a phone, computer or gaming system is the new way to gamble – making it an easy and convenient outlet for today’s teens. But make no mistake, gambling can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol, and it’s against the law for minors.
Fast Facts:
- Teens and young adults are at the highest risk of problem gambling.
- Gambling is illegal for minors and can lead to serious consequences like gambling disorders, financial problems and delinquency.
- 15% of high school students in West Michigan have placed bets or gambled in the last 30 days.*
- 53% of high school students in West Michigan play video games 3 or more hours a day.*
- Check out these tips to reduce screen time and know the warning signs that your child might be gambling.
* 2020 Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth Survey
Parent 411 on Gaming
Researchers say that playing video games for an excessive amount of time puts a person at risk of developing a gambling disorder*. Consider these tips to reduce screen time and recognize a possible gambling behavior…
Resources
Facing a gambling problem can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. If you or a loved one is experiencing a problem, please know that it is possible to get your life and finances back on track. There is hope, and there is free and confidential help.
Michigan Problem Gambling helpline: 1-800-270-7117, call anytime, 24/7, or visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/gambling for free and confidential help for you you or your loved one.
National Council on Problem Gambling | NCPG
Gamblers Anonymous: A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Click to find a support group near you.
GAM-ANON A 12 Step self-help fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of another. Click to find a group near you.
Self Exclusion You can sign up to exclude yourself from online gambling, the Michigan Lottery and in casinos. If you are gambling online and want to know more about self-exclusion from a particular site, search for “self exclusion” and the name of that site. For more information on self-exclusion, you can visit the following sites for examples: How to Set Self Exclusion | Michigan Lottery FAQ, How to Set Self Exclusion | Michigan Lottery FAQ
The Gambling Disorder Prevention Project
The Lakeshore Regional Entity is working with the following providers to support projects in the counties of Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa to prevent gambling disorders. Funding for this project is provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services via the Michigan Compulsive Gambling Prevention Fund.
