NEWS FROM

THE NEW YORK COUNCIL

ON PROBLEM GAMBLING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622 February 4, 2005

NYCPG OFFERS HOPE TO PROBLEM GAMBLERS

AND THEIR FAMILIES ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) today warns that Super Bowl Sunday can wreak havoc for problem gamblers and their families, and announces that help is available.

“Gamblers think they are in control of their gambling because they have an understanding of the game,” said James Maney NYCPG Executive Director. “Unfortunately for some, they are sadly mistaken. Super Bowl can be that bet that sends a problem gambler into the desperation phase of their addiction. The gambler becomes obsessed with getting even to cover money lost through gambling, withdrawals from family bank accounts and secret loans and often will turn to illegal activities to support the gambling.

“Suicide may be contemplated as a way out,” adds Maney.

Canada has estimated between 200 and 400 suicides are directly related to pathological gambling and that the number of attempted suicides related to gambling is likely five times higher.

The Super Bowl presents a host of opportunities to gamble. Nationwide it is estimated at least $4 billion will be wagered on this one game. A significant amount of this total will be wagered over the Internet, which is illegal in the United States. The New York Council on Problem Gambling has observed a 76% increase on Sports Gambling and a 324% increase on Internet Gambling calls statewide to the NYCPG 24-Hour Problem Gambling Helpline over the past year alone.

According to River City Group, a research–information services firm, 7.4 million Americans will gamble online in 2005. Online gambling has taken in an estimated $7.5 billion in 2004.

New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) expects to fund five to eight new gambling prevention programs and up to three new compulsive gambling outpatient treatment programs during each fiscal year (2004-2005 and 2005-2006), depending upon availability of funds.

“OASAS is doing a great job of developing a comprehensive plan to address the growing needs of problem and compulsive gamblers throughout New York, but the question remains to be answered ‘will there be adequate

funding to complete the task at hand’,” said Maney. “It is vital that all New Yorkers have access to problem gambling prevention and treatment services.”

According to Maney, the American Psychiatric Association states that pathological gambling can be identified if a person exhibits at least five of the following 10 symptoms.

· Is preoccupied with gambling.

· Tries unsuccessfully to control, cut back or stop.

· Gambles with increasing amounts of money.

· Becomes restless or irritable when attempting to cut back or stop.

· Gambles as a way of escaping problems or relieving feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.

· After losing money gambling, often returns to get even.

· Lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of gambling.

· Commits illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to finance gambling.

· Jeopardizes or loses a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.

· Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling.

“Problem gambling affects millions of Americans and their loved ones. Fortunately, this disease is treatable,” said Maney.

Maney said that for crisis intervention, referral services nearest you, and information on problem gambling, call the New York Council on Problem Gambling’s 24-Hour Helpline at 1-800-437-1611.

-30-