Super Bowl betting this year is set to surpass $1.5 billion dollars with an estimated 68 million adults wagering. Experts have some tips to gamble responsibly.
“Think about setting a budget. Think about what are you comfortable with actually losing. And remember it's a form of entertainment.”
Amy Embury is a substance use prevention manager with Lakeshore Regional Entity, a non-profit working to educate the public about responsible gaming.
“Be familiar with the odds, knowing if they're using an authorized operator or legalized app because there's risk if you're going to unlicensed sites and we don't want people to be at risk of identity theft or lost deposits. “
Embury says, while gambling can be just as addictive as drugs or alcohol, it has a higher rate of suicide than any other behavioral health disorder, and points to some warning signs.
“If you're lying to cover up your behaviors or activities, betting more and more increased amounts to make up for what you've lost. You may be restless, irritable. You may be preoccupied with when are you going to be able to do your next bets.”
The social and community stigma associated with gambling disorders often keeps individuals from seeking treatment.
Resources are available online at stayoutofthedangerzone.com
About Stay Out of the Danger Zone: Stay Out of the Danger Zone is a free, local prevention resource designed to encourage responsible gambling by empowering adults to understand the risks associated with gambling, including warning signs. Stay Out of the Danger Zone powered by the Lakeshore Regional Entity, the public behavioral health plan for persons with mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders in Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties. The LRE is one of 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) in Michigan and manages the services provided under a contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to residents in the region who are enrolled in Medicaid or under-insured.
About the Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE) Lakeshore Regional Entity is the public behavioral health plan for persons with mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders in Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties. Through its commitment to prevention, the LRE powers www.stayoutofthedangerzone.com, a free, online prevention resource.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
Top 5 Gamble Responsibly Tips:
- Set limits on the money you spend and stick with it
- Bet only what you can afford to lose
- Don’t use drugs or alcohol when gambling
- Take breaks! Take a walk every 15 minutes or so
- Avoid gambling when depressed, upset or alone
Top 5 Warning Signs/Risks for a Gambling Disorder:
- Lying to cover up gambling activities
- Increasing the amount you spend gambling to achieve a desired excitement
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try reducing or stopping gambling
- Trying to cut back on gambling without success
- Gambling when distressed
