NYCPG HOPE AND HELP

DURING NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK

Free Problem Gambling Treatment Services For All New Yorkers

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is pleased to announce their participation in the Third Annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) taking place March 6-12.

“The Council believes NPGAW is an initiative that will have an immediate positive impact and has asked colleges and universities throughout New York to join us in participating in this year’s event,” said NYCPG Executive Director James Maney. “The Council has sent posters and its new student problem gambling brochure to every college and university in New York. We encourage these institutions to display and distribute this important information around campus to students, staff and faculty.”

Over one-third of high school and college students polled nationwide gambled before age 11. By age 15, more than 80% had placed bets.

“Gambling often begins as a recreational activity, such as pitching coins, playing cards or video games, and betting on sporting events,” said Maney. “For some teenagers and young adults, gambling can become a problem, like addictions to drugs, alcohol or tobacco.

“The new craze of Texas Hold’em poker is taking over,” said Maney. “Stimulated by the fascination of televised poker tournament’s large payouts, teens are hosting their own poker games sanctioned by their parents who feel at least they are not drinking or drugging. Colleges throughout the state are also hosting Texas Hold’em nights as a form of recreation for its students and running promotions that sponsor poker tournament to casinos.

“The efforts of this week are geared toward creating a society where those affected by problem gambling are able to identify the problem and access professional services that help minimize the consequences of problem gambling,” concluded Maney.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling also announces that the state’s problem gambling treatment providers will offer free problem gambling evaluations during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week to anyone who believes they are suffering from gambling addiction. If you or someone you know suffers from the adverse effects of problem gambling call the state’s 24-hour toll-free Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-437-1611 for immediate assistance.

For more information regarding NPGAW or for free services provided by problem gambling treatment providers throughout New York during this week, please contact the Council at 518/427-1622 or council@nyproblemgambling.org.

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