Problem Gambling
While the vast majority of people are able to gamble for run and safely, for some, gambling can lead to significant problems. In some cases, individuals may suffer from a gambling disorder, which is an addiction characterized by an individual’s increased preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop in spite of the mounting, serious, negative consequences.
It’s important to be mindful of how gambling is affecting you. Below are warning signs to look out for and pay attention to.
Problem Gambling Warning Signs
- Sacrificing time from work or family in order to gamble
- Difficulty maintaining control of their gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or to pay off previous bets
- Using gambling to escape the pressures of life and work
- Neglecting yourself or family in order to gamble
- Lying about time or money lost to betting
- Gambling more in order to recoup previous losses ("chasing")
- Obtaining money for gambling by selling/pawning personal property
- Stealing or committing any kind of crime in order to fund your gambling
- Feelings of hopelessness, depression or suicide
Problem Gambling Screener
If you’re unsure about seeking help for your gambling, a brief e-screener is available through Harvard Medical School’s Cambridge Health Alliance. This screener can be accessed on their website.
Help works
Making the decision to seek help for a gambling problem isn’t easy, but for those affected, it could be one of the best decisions they ever make. This critical first step can set you on a path to recovery and a healthy and fulfilling life. To help you find the resources and support in your area, we have provided the following information.
If you, a family member, or a friend has a problem with gambling, call the 24-hour National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. For state specific information please see below.
National Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
www.ncpgambling.org
Gamblers Anonymous
Florida
1-888-ADMIT-IT
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling
https://www.helpforgambling.org
Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Ohio for Responsible Gambling
Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Please contact us directly if you have any questions. Our Responsible Gambling team is at your disposal at any time and can be contacted by e-mail: responsiblegaming@BetMGMhorseracing.com.
Protection of minors
Underage gambling is a criminal offense and any person who facilitates someone under the age of 21 to gamble has committed a criminal offense and shall be prohibited from Internet gaming.
BetMGM excludes minors (persons under the age of 21) from gambling, so we will always ask for proof of age during the registration process. We also begin an automatic identification process immediately after registration, which can require a copy of a picture ID document upon deposit or withdrawal. We take our responsibility for preventing minors from playing with us seriously and in order to offer the best-possible protection of minors, we require the shared responsibility of parents. Use child protection software, such as Cyberpatrol or Cybersitter to block gaming sites from under-21s
If you know someone under the age of 21 who is registered with us, please contact us immediately at responsiblegaming@BetMGMhorseracing.com.