Problem Gambling Solutions

Problem Gambling Solutions 4,1/5 7536 votes

However, gambling can become a problem for some people when they have trouble setting limits on the time and money involved. If you’re worried about your gambling, find out more about gambling problems and how you can get them under control.

Problem Gambling and Crime: Impacts and Solutions A Proceedings Report on the National Think Tank Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. Problem gambling is a broad term that refers to all of the patterns of gambling behavior that compromise, disrupt.
Building bridges to problem gambling solutions: Our experience leading the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling Editor’s note: This month’s Special Series on Community Approaches to Addiction focuses on ways to bring addiction prevention and recovery beyond medical settings.
Problem Gambling Services and Resources in Rhode Island. Call 1-877-9GAMBLE or 401-499-2472.
Across all states, there is a lack of uniformity regarding what types of problem gambling services are funded. Among those states that fund problem gambling services, the most commonly supported services provided by state agencies and NCPG Affiliates were, respectively, problem gambling awareness programs, counselor training, helplines, and problem gambling treatment.

A Journey of Hope

I got help because…

I got Help Because…

For free, confidential help Contact us:

Brian's Testimonial

What to Expect

When you call, a certified gambling addiction counselor will listen, educate, answer questions, and refer you to a free and confidential treatment services.

There are approximately 46 providers throughout the state of Oregon providing FREE, state-funded, confidential gambling treatment to Oregon residents and their families or friends. All counselors are trained and certified in gambling addiction.

Select an option to proceed

Are your friends and family concerned with your gambling?

Gamble to get money to meet financial obligations?

Feel you must return as soon as possible and win back losses?

Have a strong urge to win even more after winning?

Use income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?

Feel irritated or restless when not able to gamble?

Exceed your limits of time and money when gambling?

Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance gambling?

Find it difficult to control, stop or cut down on gambling and feel irritable when trying to do so?

Celebrate good fortune with a few hours of gambling?

Question 1 out of 20

You are Low Risk

Your score places you in the 'Low-Risk Gambler' category.

A person in this score range experienced one to two minor problems related to their gambling.

If you answered “yes” to seven or more of these questions, it could be indicative of a serious gambling problem.

You can always call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling addiction counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-695-4648 (MY-LIMIT), text 503-713-6000, or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

You are Medium Risk

Your score places you in the 'Medium-Risk Gambler' category

A person in this score range indicates a level of risk that should be further explored.

You are High Risk

A person in this score range indicates a problem with gambling. Contact the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling addiction counselor to further examine your gambling behavior and its consequences. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-695-4648 (MY-LIMIT), text 503-713-6000, or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

REMINDER: Self-assessment can help you figure out if there is a issue with gambling, but only a professional can diagnose if it is a gambling problem, a different problem, or both.

Contact Us

Myth or Fact?

'You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.'

Myth or fact?

Myth. A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. If a person’s gambling is causing psychological, financial, emotional, marital, legal, or other difficulties for themselves and the people around them, then they have a gambling problem.

'Most problem gamblers have a favorite form of gambling that causes them problems.'

Myth or fact?

Fact. Most problem gamblers don't gamble at any opportunity of any form. Most have a favorite game that causes them problems. Some gamblers also engage in secondary forms of gambling, but these are not usually as problematic.

'Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.'

Myth or fact?

Myth. Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. If a person’s gambling is interfering with their ability to act in accordance with their values, then there is a problem. For example, too much time spent on gambling means less time to spend with family, friends, and others. It can lead to relationship breakdown and loss of important friendships.

'Even people with a long history of responsible behavior are vulnerable to developing a gambling problem. '

Myth or fact?

Fact. Many problem gamblers hold, or have held, responsible community positions. When a person is having a problem gambling episode, that person is unable to control their gambling and in this compromised state their actions look like irresponsible behavior.

'Children are not affected by problem gambling.'

Myth or fact?

Myth. Surveys show that about 10% to 15% of American and Canadian youth have experienced gambling-related problems, and 1% to 6% of these individuals may satisfy diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Additionally, children of problem gamblers have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing health-threatening behaviors. This includes alcohol and drug use, problem gambling, eating disorders, depression and suicide.

'Problem gamblers can be skilled in finding ways to rationalize their gambling.'

Myth or fact?

Fact. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for actions, including actions needed to overcome the gambling problem. Partners of problem gamblers are not responsible for problem gambler's actions.

'Financial problems are the main reason that problem gambler’s relationships break down.'

Myth or fact?

Myth. It is true that money problems play an important part in ending relationships. However, many non-gambling partners say that the lies and lack of trust is the biggest cause.

Parents of problem gamblers are not to blame for their children's behavior.

Problem Gambling Worksheets

Myth or fact?

Fact. Many parents of problem gamblers feel hurt and guilty about their son’s or daughter’s gambling behavior, but they are not to blame.

'If a problem gambler builds up a debt, the important thing to do is to help them get out of the financial problem as soon as possible.'

Myth or fact?

Myth. Quick fix solutions are often attractive to everyone involved and may appear to be the right thing to do. However, “bailing” the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling gambling problems to continue.

Myth or fact?

Fact. Problem gambling is very easy to hide as it has few recognizable symptoms, unlike alcohol and drug use. Many problem gamblers themselves do not recognize they have a gambling problem. Problem gamblers often engage in self-denial.

Interested in learning more?
Contact us:
1-877-695-4648

About Us

The Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline was established in 2001 and receives about 1000 calls each year. Trained professional staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen, educate, answer questions, and refer people to free confidential treatment services.

If you (or someone you know) are gambling too much, you can call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents.

Call the Helpline 1-877-695-4648 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with someone who can get you to the help you may need. Or text 503-713-6000 between the hours of 8am and 9pm M-F.

You are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there is a way to get your life back on track.

Responsible Gambling Resources

DownloadNCPG’s Guidelines for Payment Processing
DownloadNCPG’s Responsible Gaming Principles for Sports Gambling Legislation
Download NCPG’s Resolution on the Legalization of Sports Gambling (Feb 2017)
DownloadNCPG’s Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Guidelines Final December 4 2015
DownloadNCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards
DownloadNCPG Compliance Comparison Online Responsible Gaming Regulations Updated
DownloadGRADE Social Game Consumer Protection Guidelines v3
DownloadNCPG Affiliate Guide for Casino Employee Responsible Gaming Program March 2016

Guidelines for Payment Processing
Excessive spending on gambling, leading to significant financial harm, is a hallmark of gambling problems. Each type of payment—from cash to credit cards—has different structural characteristics that may impact problem gambling. Innovations in payments technology and changes in consumer behavior continue to change, shifting risk and protective factors as a result. Gambling operators, vendors, payment processors, financial institutions, regulators – and people who gamble – all have important roles to play in minimizing harm. These guidelines are based on an informed consumer choice model.
Read the full press release here.

Initiative: 1% for Responsible Gambling
Gambling affiliate BettingUSA.com, a licensed US online gambling affiliate, has pledged to donate one percent of its earnings to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in order to help minimize the harms that will likely occur through the expansion of gambling and sports betting in the US. Together the two organizations call on other affiliates in the legal US gambling space to match BettingUSA’s leadership by joining the 1% Initiative. “NCPG advocates for states to earmark 1% of gambling revenues to responsible gaming and problem gambling programs, and since most states fall well short of that target, we believe that it is in the best interests of the industry to contribute,” BettingUSA.com’s Steve Ruddock said. “BettingUSA.com is proud to spearhead this initiative alongside NCPG. We call on all gambling affiliates, and anyone else involved in the industry, to join us.” Read the full press release here.

Participants will receive a digital emblem to proudly display on their digital media. To join the initiative, contact Barbara Rollins, Deputy Director for Advancement, at BarbaraR@ncpgambling.org

Responsible Gaming Principles for Sports Gambling Legislation
NCPG’s Responsible Gaming Principles for Sports Gambling Legislation provide a basis for new regulations and legislation that may be enacted to allow sports betting. The principles will help protect individuals, gaming companies, and legislators by assisting the creation of reasonable efforts to prevent harm and provide treatment.

Download NCPG’s Responsible Gaming Principles for Sports Gambling Legislation

Resolution on the Legalization of Sports Gambling
NCPG’s Resolution on the Legalization of Sports Gambling calls upon all stakeholders in the discussion over legalized sports gambling to recognize the potential impact on gambling addiction. The resolution offers direct actions for legislators and regulators, leagues and teams, and the media to minimize harm as a result of increased gambling participation.

Download NCPG’s Resolution on the Legalization of Sports Gambling

Responsible Gaming Education Week

NCPG supports Responsible Gaming Education Week and urges members to work with gaming operators and regulators to train employees and raise awareness of gambling problems and responsible gaming solutions during RGEW and year around. For more information goto: https://www.americangaming.org/advocacy/toolkits/responsible-gaming

NCPG’s Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Guidelines

The guidelines outline essential age verification, player information, self-exclusion and data and customer assistance provisions. These guidelines were based on NCPG’s best-practice Internet Responsible Gambling Standards and adapted specifically for the fantasy sports industry. The guidelines were approved by the NCPG Board of Directors on December 4, 2015.

NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards

Problem Gambling Certification

The National Council on Problem Gambling has developed these standards to help guide discussions among all stakeholders on internet gambling, including operators, regulators, advocates and the public.

The standards contain specific recommendations in the areas of policy, staff training, informed decision-making, assisting players, self-exclusion, advertising and promotion, game and site features, and working with research.

NCPG reviewed current internet responsible gaming codes and regulations from around the world (see Appendix A) to guide the development of this standard. The final recommendations in this document flow from our 40 years of experience in problem gambling issues, existing international codes (in particular the Responsible Gambling Council’s draft internet gambling standards), empirical evidence and feedback from experts in the field including operators, regulators, researchers, clinicians and advocates. We have also considered Federal laws governing the online purchase of age-controlled products like alcohol and tobacco. The NCPG standard is a work in progress as internet gambling-related legislation, regulation and technology continue to evolve rapidly. The graphical and interactive structure of the internet provides an opportunity to create informed consumers with access to a variety of information designed to encourage safe choices and discourage unsafe behavior, including through setting personal limits and self-excluding. These programs can be improved by requiring operators to make de-identified play data (e.g., demographic, session, game and transaction data) publicly available. Analyzing actual player behavior leads to better understanding of gambling and problem gambling.

Problem Gambling Solutions Inc

It is strongly recommended that operators and regulators consult with experts in the problem gambling field during the development and implementation of internet gambling. Problem gambling, like other diseases of addiction, will likely never be eliminated, but we must make better efforts to mitigate the damage. A portion of all gambling revenue must be dedicated to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction.

DownloadNCPG’s Internet Responsible Gaming Standards.

Public survey of online responsible gaming regulations

In spring 2014, NCPG commissioned Gambling Compliance to conduct a first-ever public survey of online responsible gaming regulations, finding states are off to a good start but still short of best practice.

DownloadNCPG Compliance Comparison Online Responsible Gaming Regulations Updated.

GRADE: Social Games Consumer Protection Guidelines

Version 3: October 21, 2013

DownloadGRADE Social Game Consumer Protection Guidelines v3

Social games with casino themes are among the fastest growing segments of the game industry. Yet significant uncertainly remains about the definitions and risks. Indeed, many social game developers and operators, including major gaming companies, argue that social games do not meet the definition of gambling and therefore requires no regulation. NCPG does not take an opinion on the legality of social games or whether they should be regulated.

NCPG believes that consumer protection standards are important as it is likely that some users of social games with casino themes may experience negative consequences. Operators benefit by protecting a significant source of revenue, providing good customer service and engaging with regulators and legislators in a positive manner. Regulators have an obligation under the “precautionary principle” to protect the public especially when faced with a brand new and fast-growing gambling-like activity. Organizations like the National Council have a duty to advocate for consumer protection.

Many social games with casino themes utilize features that are regulated, prohibited or not possible in regulated gaming environments. Some of these features are argued by some to contribute to greater risk of problem gambling. They include high frequency and speed of play, lack of minimum age policy and enforcement, “opaque” game mechanics, no specific oversight or consumer protection, unclear differentiation between social and “real money” games, among others.

Problem Gambling Solutions Inc

The intent of the standards is to facilitate discussions about consumer protection among operators, regulators, legislators, consumer advocates and the public. While it is likely that many social games encourage lengthy play, our focus is placed on social games with casino themes that are free-to-play but have ways in which the consumer can spend real money. As noted, some argue that it is likely that some users are currently or at-risk for gambling addiction, and that as a result they may spend excessive amounts of time and money on social games with casino themes, leading to negative consequences.

As with internet gambling, the graphical and interactive structure of the social media provides an opportunity to create informed consumers with access to a variety of information designed to encourage safe choices and discourage unsafe behavior. Some game features could be utilized to promote responsible play, such as granting coins for setting voluntary limits, or for reading through the educational information.

These guidelines are a work in progress as social gambling continues to rapidly. As we collect more information on actual player behavior we will be able to further determine what, if any, consumer protection and regulation is necessary. We encourage the social game developers and operators to work with NCPG to provide this data. We encourage feedback and comment and believe all stakeholders have an interest in reducing possible harms from social games with casino themes.

NCPG Affiliate Guide for Casino Responsible Gaming Training Programs March 2016

Problem Gambling Solutions Llc

DownloadNCPG Affiliate Guide for Casino Employee Responsible Gaming Program March 2016

Help With Gambling Problem

This guide was developed by the State Affiliate Chapters (“Affiliates”) of the National Council on Problem Gambling (“NCPG”) to provide guidance for Affiliates to conduct and advise on the training of casino employees. While this document was initially developed for the training of casino employees, the basic principles likely apply to any type of gaming and for community awareness programs.