Recognizing Problem Gambling Developed by Peter Walsh, MA, CGACII, NCGCII Presented by Richard Johnson, MA, CGAC II, CADC III, NCGC II Gambling Outreach/Prevention

What you’ll learn  Understand gambling in Oregon  Signs of problem gambling  Effects of problem gambling  Similarities/differences substance abuse  Where to go for help

Gambling in Oregon is Growing Spirit Mt. Casino has replaced Multnomah Falls as our #1 tourist attraction

Societal Acceptance = More Gamblers  Industry perpetuates a vision of gambling as entertaining, glamorous and as a means of achieving financial freedom.  Recent surge in reality TV gambling shows

Oregon Numbers  2002 Oregonians spent $1.18 billion on all forms of gambling, $447 per adult 25% more than the national average*  % increase in Video Poker Terminals  2004 Ninth casino opened in Oregon  2005 The Lottery added slots  2006Lottery exceeds $1 billion in sales, video lottery sales up 24% over previous year Source: * Eco Northwest, 2005

More Casinos?

Oregon Gambling: Summed Up Oregon Gambling: Summed Up Oregon has more forms of legalized gambling and offers easier access to gambling than almost any other state Oregon has more forms of legalized gambling and offers easier access to gambling than almost any other state - AND - - AND - Oregon is a nationally recognized leader in treatment for gambling problems Source: National Ctr for the Study of Gambling, 2006

What is Gambling?  Playing a game of chance or “skill” where money is placed at risk based on the uncertain outcome of a future event  Chance, Skill, Money, Risk, Uncertain, Future?

Problem Gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.

Chances of winning the big prize? 146 million to 1

Better odds

Gambler’s Fallacy Gamblers think past performance predicts future events: Lucky streaks Lucky streaks Due a win Due a win

How Many adult problem gamblers in Oregon? more than 74,000 Oregon adults (2.7% of adults) (Moore, 2006) about 6,000 are over 62 years old (1.2%) (Moore, 2001)

What does problem gambling look like? Increase in gambling time and locations Increase in gambling time and locations Increase in size of bets Increase in size of bets Increase in intensity of interest in gambling Increase in intensity of interest in gambling Working up special occasions for gambling Working up special occasions for gambling Boasting about wins; not talking about losses Boasting about wins; not talking about losses Exaggerated display of money and other possessions Exaggerated display of money and other possessions

More clues… Gambling when there is a crisis Gambling when there is a crisis Drop off in other activities/interests Drop off in other activities/interests Frequent absences from school, work and home Frequent absences from school, work and home Diversion of funds earmarked for other purposes Diversion of funds earmarked for other purposes Hidden Funds Hidden Funds Personality changes (irritability/hostility) Personality changes (irritability/hostility) Withdrawal from family Withdrawal from family

Gambling-Substance Abuse Compared  Similarities –Withdrawal symptoms –Tolerance –Self-help groups –Loss of control –Preoccupation –Negative impact on major life areas –Use of rituals

Gambling-Substance Abuse Compared  Differences –Gambling is not self-limiting –Behavior is not attributable to intoxication –Unpredictable outcome –Fantasies of success/quitting is giving up hope –No biological test –Easier to hide –Greater financial problems –Intensity of family anger –Less public awareness and acceptance

Costs of problem gambling  percent of spouses abused  10 to 17 percent of children neglected or abused  Of 1,986 receiving treatment in 2006/2007 average gambling debt was $26, clients had debts of over $100,000 57% jeopardized or lost a significant relationship or job 21% committed illegal acts to obtain gambling money 28% had alcohol problems; 12% drug problems 21% reported suicidal thoughts and 7% reported having made an attempt

The More Problem Gamblers, the More Gambling Related Crimes  Moore & Marotta ( 2006). –43% of women and 38% of men entering gambling treatment reported to have committed an illegal act related to their gambling.  National Gambling Impact Study Commission (1999). –A third of problem and pathological gamblers had been arrested, compared to 10% of low-risk gamblers and 4% of non-gamblers

Embezzler’s sentenced: 8 years West Linn- During sentencing for stealing $1.4 million, the city’s former finance chief talks of “terrible shame” West Linn- During sentencing for stealing $1.4 million, the city’s former finance chief talks of “terrible shame” The Oregonian, November 18, 2006

Gambling Treatment in Oregon  Oregon has 27 outpatient gambling treatment programs  3 crisis-respite programs  1 residential treatment program  Free treatment for gamblers and family members

Gambling Treatment in Multnomah County: 1- Cascadia Behavioral Health Care 2415 SE 43 rd. Avenue, Suite SE 43 rd. Avenue, Suite 200 Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon (503) (503) InAct 727 NE 24 th Avenue 727 NE 24 th Avenue Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon (503) (503)

Gambling Treatment in Multnomah County : Gambling Treatment in Multnomah County : 3- Lifeworks NW 3- Lifeworks NW 4925 N Albina 4925 N Albina Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon (503) (503) (African American Specific Services) (African American Specific Services) 4- NARA Northwest 1776 SW Madison St SW Madison St. Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon (503) (503) (503) #262 (503) #262

Gambling Treatment in Multnomah County : 4- OHSU Behavioral Health Clinic 621 SW Alder Street, # SW Alder Street, #520 Portland, Oregon Portland, Oregon (503) (503)

Problem Gambling Help Line: Free and confidential; staffed by professional counselors Phone: 1 (877) MY LIMIT ( ) 1(877)-2-STOP-NOW ( ) 1(877)-2-STOP-NOW ( ) Online: 1877mylimit.org (chat, IM, )

To sum it up…  Problem gambling is a real and growing concern  Effects about 1 in 37 adults.  Help is available for gamblers and family members  81% of clients reported either no gambling or reduced gambling at 6-months post- treatment  Treatment is free, confidential and effective