NEWS FROM
THE NEW YORK COUNCIL
ON PROBLEM GAMBLING FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622 January 29, 2008
e-mail: mmilea@nyproblemgambling.org
Massachusetts and New York Councils
Offer Support to People Experiencing Problems with Sports Gambling
BOSTON, MA / ALBANY, NY – The countdown is on for Super Bowl XLII, between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. During this exciting time in sports, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling want the public to know that help is available for anyone experiencing problems with sports gambling.
Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest “gambling day” of the year for sports bettors. In fact, it is estimated that over four billion dollars was wagered on the 1998 Super Bowl alone – 98% of it illegally via bookmakers, office pools and the Internet. (Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.)
According to Kathleen M. Scanlan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, “For some people recreational gambling is not a problem. For others, it is a serious problem with potentially devastating social, financial and emotional consequences.”
“Symptoms of a gambling problem include being preoccupied with gambling, betting increasing amounts of money over time, repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control gambling, and chasing losses,” said Jim Maney, Executive Director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling.
Both the Massachusetts and the New York Council operate toll-free, confidential, helpline numbers 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Anyone who is concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling problem is encouraged to call:
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling helpline – 1-800-426-1234
New York Council on Problem Gambling helpline – 1-800- 437-1611
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The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit corporation, under contract with the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling.
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling is a private, non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling. The Council provides prevention, information, education, advocacy, and referral services for problem gamblers, their loved ones and the greater community.