Maine Council on Problem Gambling and Maine CDC Launch Campaign to Educate Public About Problem Gambling – Bangor Daily News

(BANGOR, ME) May 8, 2017 The Maine Council on Problem Gambling has launched a campaign in collaboration with the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention to educate the public about the risks of gambling and provide resources to help problem gamblers.

Maine is home to two casinos, over 1,700 slot machines, a horse track, and 1,300 Maine State Lottery locations; however, this campaign also addresses other forms of gambling that arent often considered, including sports betting, bingo, office pools, online gaming, and more. Problem gambling is defined as a preoccupation with gambling and obtaining money to gamble, irrational thinking, and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences.

According to the 2013 National Survey of Problem Gambling Services, an estimated 2.2 percent of Maine adults (29,242 citizens) are believed to manifest a gambling disorder. Additionally, in 2012 Maine ranked 42nd out of 50 states and the D.C. in combined lottery sales and commercial casino gaming revenues with $327.52 million reported.

While most adults can gamble responsibly, there are Mainers who are at risk and who can develop an addiction to gambling. This is a real addiction that can be similar in many ways to an addiction to substances. With this campaign, we hope to raise awareness of problem gambling and gambling addiction, and that treatment is available. Scott Gagnon, Certified Prevention Specialist and Board President at the Maine Council on Problem Gambling said.

The Maine Council on Problem Gambling advocates for prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery services, which include educating residents of Maine about signs and symptoms of problem gambling, developing resources to help problem gamblers and their loved ones, training treatment professionals to provide support using evidence based practice, and supporting recovery of individuals. The MCPGs stance is that through the education of youth and adults, more individuals will be able to recognize signs of problem gambling and will know where to find help for themselves or their loved ones. Additionally, educating treatment providers will help them give worthwhile support to those affected by problem gambling.

The good news is for those who may be experiencing problem gambling, there is a network of providers in Maine with specialized training to offer treatment for a gambling disorder. There are even funds available to pay for treatment if insurance wont cover the costs. These resources are also available for loved ones who may affected by a spouse or family members problem gambling, Gagnon said.

Each of the public service announcements aim to help those in need in different ways. The first video PSA addresses risks and warning signs of problem gambling, such as spending excessive amounts of time or money gambling, using gambling to escape from problems, hiding or chasing losses, and constantly making excuses for behavior. It encourages the viewer to recognize if a loved one is suffering, and encourages them to reach to help their loved one by using a 24-hour helpline at 2-1-1, or by visiting http://www.211maine.org, a service that connects people who want to give help or get help with a full range of health and human services in their community.

The second video PSA addresses safe gambling practices, focusing on four simple steps to reduce the chances of becoming a problem gambler. These steps include the following:

Set limits on how much money you will spend on gambling.

Dont borrow money for gambling.

Dont let gambling interfere with your relationships.

Understand that youll probably lose and accept it.

Those interested in learning more about problem gambling in Maine should visit the Maine Council on Problem Gambling website at http://www.maineproblemgambling.org or send an e-mail to info@maineproblemgambling.org

If you or a loved one is a problem gambler, call our 24-hour helpline at 2-1-1, or visit http://www.211maine.org.

The Maine CDC is part of a Maine collaborative that includes the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations, the Gambling Control Board, Maine Council on Problem Gambling, ME211 and several other state and local agency partners. The Maine CDC is a gambling neutral agency that works to address the issues of problem gambling from a prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery perspective. For more information, visit http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/prevention/gambling/

The Maine Council on Problem Gambling is mission is to reduce the impact of problem gambling through advocacy, education and collaboration. The Maine Council on Problem Gambling is a gambling neutral organization. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/MaineCouncilProblemGambling/about/?ref=page_internal

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Maine Council on Problem Gambling and Maine CDC Launch Campaign to Educate Public About Problem Gambling - Bangor Daily News