Problem Gambling Awareness
Understand the Potential Harms Associated With Gambling Behaviors
What is Problem Gambling?
Gambling is risking something of value for the chance of a reward.
Popular types of gambling are casinos, lottery or scratch-off tickets, mobile sports betting, horse betting, bingo and raffles.
Problem gambling is often referred to as a hidden addiction since there are often no outward physical signs. Gambling can lead to financial, emotional, social, occupational and physical harm, as well as conflicts in relationships with friends and family. Individuals may have feelings of anger, fear, shame or worry.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Recognizing the potential risks and understanding the signs of problem gambling is critical. This awareness can help you or someone you care about maintain a healthy balance.
- Being preoccupied with gambling
- Risked or lost significant relationships, career educational or other important opportunities due to gambling
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money
- Becoming irritable or restless when attempting to cut back or stop gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Gambling as an escape from problems or negative moods
- Chasing losses (going back to try and win what was previously lost)
- Relying on others for financial bailouts
- Lying about gambling or hiding gambling from others
Evaluate Your Gambling Behavior
To help you evaluate your current gambling behaviors, take this nine-question survey for personalized feedback. It takes just 45 seconds to complete and will provide insight into whether your gambling or someone you care about is a cause for concern.
Education and Support Available
If you or someone you know is facing gambling-related challenges, there are a variety of resources available to provide support and guidance.
Confidential Support Available
If you or someone you know can identify with any of the warning signs, it is important to know you aren’t alone and many other people are experiencing the same thing you are. There are a variety of community resources available for those affected by gambling harms, including treatment and recovery supports.
All services are available regardless of ability to pay.
Call 1-877-846-7369 (HOPENY) or text 467369 (HOPENY), the confidential HOPEline to connect with a trained specialist who can help you find resources available online and in your community.
Free Financial Counseling
GamFin
If you’re facing financial challenges due to gambling, free financial counseling is available at GamFin. Take your first steps toward financial recovery by booking an appointment today.
Voluntary Self-Exclusion
If you think you might have a gambling problem, you can choose to self-exclude from all gaming options in New York State. More details, along with the request form, are available through the New York State Gaming Commission website. You can also email [email protected].
Helpful Podcasts
Explore podcasts featuring people in recovery and expert interviews.
Healthy Gambling Behaviors
Strategies to Keep Gambling a Recreational Activity
Track your Time
- Set a time limit before you gamble and stick to it
- Share your plan with someone else
Mind your Money
- Develop a budget for how much you can afford to gamble without interfering with other financial obligations
- Set a limit on how much you will bet and stick to it
- Understand that the odds of you winning are against you
- When you lose, walk away instead of chasing your losses
Stay Social With Your Gambling
- Have gambling be one of a variety of social activities you engage in
- Plan to gamble with friends as part of a recreational activity
- Be mindful of alcohol and drug use while gambling which can inhibit your gambling behaviors and your set plan
- Gamble when you are feeling positive vs when you are stressed, looking for an escape and/or are depressed
If you find you have difficulty staying within these guidelines, call 1-877-846-7369 (HOPENY) or text 467369 (HOPENY), the confidential HOPEline, to connect with a trained specialist who can help you find resources available online and in your community to prevent any further consequences.
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: I almost won; I must be due for a win.
Fact: “Almost” winning in no way means that a real win is just around the corner. Future gambling outcomes are in no way influenced by previous outcomes.
Myth: If I play more than one slot machine or more than one poker game at a time, I’ll increase my chances of winning.
Fact: You may win more often by playing two slot machines, or poker games at once, but you’ll also spend, and ultimately lose, more.
Myth: I have a special strategy that helps me win. I pick certain numbers for the lottery and press the stop button on a slot machine at exactly the right time.
Fact: The outcomes of most games, particularly lotteries and slot machines, are completely random. You cannot influence it, no matter what you do.
Myth: I have a feeling today is my lucky day. I just know I’m going to win.
Fact: Hoping, wishing or even needing to win money has absolutely no influence on the outcome of a game of chance.
Myth: They way to make money on the big game is to bet on every outcome.
Fact: All bets involve some risk, so there’s no such thing as a sure bet. Gambling shouldn’t be used as a way to make money, but as a way to have fun.
Myth: As long as I play within a budget, I’m gambling safely.
Fact: Play with a set budget is a great way to stay safe from financial harms. But if your gambling impacts other important areas of your life like time spent with loved ones. It may be a sign you need help.