Here at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, we understand that overcoming a gambling addiction requires an immense amount of willpower, and plenty of patience besides. It might take months, or even years — and that’s okay. Fortunately, you don’t have to undergo this arduous journey alone. We are always here, 24/7, to lend an ear and to help you find the resources you need.
Recently, our own Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, was interviewed for an article by NJTV News. She mentioned how we often receive calls from people who are feeling desperate, and looking for a way to regain control in their lives. Because of this, we are always seeking ways not only to help those who are currently struggling, but also ways to prevent others from developing a problem. That’s why whenever we become aware of a new trend, we alert the gaming industry as soon as possible.
The article discussed one of the resources available to problem gamblers to help them regulate their own casino gambling in Atlantic City. In New Jersey, individuals can add themselves to an exclusion list, effectively preventing them from being able to gamble anywhere in the state. Adding yourself to this list is a completely voluntary measure. If you do so, you will be unable to walk into a casino, or even to gamble online. This can be an effective measure in aiding recovery.
Ever since online gambling became legal in New Jersey in 2013, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who participated in some form of gambling activity — 70 percent of NJ residents admitted to doing so last year. New Jersey also has three times as many people with a gambling disorder compared to the rest of the country.
Recognize the Problem
In the article, Pryor reminds readers that it’s important to identify that there is a problem. She says you should ask yourself if you’re gambling your mortgage, or your child’s college savings fund. Certain populations of individuals may also be at an increased risk for developing a problem. “A lot of seniors are gambling now because there is an excess amount of money coming in from retirements and things like that. You’ve lost your loved ones, so you go down to the casino because you think you’ll have friends there,” Pryor told NJTV News.
You can read the entire article here: http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/gaming-association-offers-available-tools-problem-gamblers/
Remember, we are here 24/7 to help. Whether you or a loved one is spending too much time participating in off track wagering at Winners or other gambling facilities, there are a number of resources available to help you quit. Call 1-800-GAMBLER — or reach out via text or online chat — at any time for confidential, compassionate support.