Category Archives: Gambling

Welcome MMA bettors, speculators, and gambling lurkers! Were back at it again for another week of comprehensive gambling analysis from your friends at MMAFighting.com. This weekend is a little less exciting without Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson, but we will valiantly trudge forward regardless.

For those of you who are new here or those who have forgotten, this aims to be an exhaustive preview of the fights, the odds, and my own personal breakdown of where you can find betting value. The number after the odds on each fighter is the probability of victory that those odds imply (so Woodley at +150 means he should win the fight 40 percent of the time). If you think he wins more often than the odds say, you should bet it because there's value in the line.

All stats come from FightMetric and all the odds are from Best Fight Odds. Net Value means how much money you would have made if you bet $100 on that fighter in every one of his/her fights that odds could be found for. Doubly as always, I'm trying to provide the most thorough guide I can for those who want to legally bet or who just enjoy following along. If you are a person who chooses to gamble, only do so legally, responsibly, and at your own risk.

Now with all that out of the way, lets go.

Breakdown

Tyron Woodley is a hyper-athletic wrestle boxer who focuses on a stripped down power punching game. The power punching is a legitimate strategy as Woodley is one of the hardest hitters in the division and quicker than just about everyone, allowing him to close distance and unexpectedly land his money shot, the right hand. Woodley also has a right kick equally as thudding as his right hand and he mixes the two effectively. Beyond that though, Woodley doesn't have much to speak of on the feet as far as variety, rarely using his left side at all. Being extremely reliant on his power side hasn't stopped him from being effective though as he has a myriad of feints which allow him to sneak in punches and he also does a good job of mixing up his speeds.

Woodleys secondary offense, and arguably his most potent, is his explosive wrestling game. On the feet, he pressures forward which allows him to work into the clinch where his physicality and head control allow him to grind with great effect. A former two-time All-American, Woodley still has the instincts and skill of a high level wrestler as well as a solid power double leg, but he isn't an especially great shot takedown threat. He is however, a phenomenal defensive wrestler and when he does secure takedowns, he's ferocious with his ground striking.

Stephen Thompson is an elite level striker whose game revolves around distance management and timing. He prefers to operate at the very end of striking ranging where he can land a variety of kicks and he uses excellent footwork and movement to maintain that range. When a fighter closes the distance on him, he lands punishing straight counter punches and then angles out well to reset.

The rest of Thompson's game is built to keep him in the zone he wants to operate in. He's a strong clinch fighter with good footwork and leverage and the ability to disengage quickly. He's also a very strong defensive wrestler as his distance management and angles make it really difficult to get a clean look at taking him down. Thompson is a better version of Lyoto Machida: a high level karateka and kickboxer, but one who isn't as single-minded in his desire to counterstrike which allows him to throw at a good pace and win rounds much more decisively.

When these two first fought, Thompson was lucky to walk away with a draw, winning the tight rounds but suffering the force of Woodleys predatory offense in the others and that dynamic likely remains the same here. Thompsons offense is built to score points and win rounds much more effectively than Woodleys. Woodleys offense is built to win fights in violent fashion.

The question for this fight is who will make the biggest adjustments from their first contest? Woodley barely used his wrestling at all in their first encounter and the one time he did take Thompson down, he delivered serious punishment. On the other hand, Thompson threw much less volume than he normally does and, if he can be more aware of the power punching of Woodley, looks to have an edge here. Ultimately, this fight is razor close one. Im picking Thompson to win because, in the aggregate, I think he will win more fights by virtue of consistent offense. That being said, Woodley is the more dangerous finisher and hes being undervalued at the books right now. I suggest betting Woodley at any plus number. Also, Woodley-Thompson ends in a draw is +5500 which implies a less than 2% probability of occurring. Considering the dynamic of the fight (Woodley having more potent offense, Thompson winning more rounds) that seems like it is far more likely to occur and thus I also think a small bet on Fight Goes to a Draw is decent value.

Breakdown

Lando Vannata is the new darling of UFC fans and with good reason. He is a legitimate prospect with a funky, forward thinking game backed up by a lot of talent. Hes the product of years of Brandon Gibson training and hes the purest example of that lineage of fighter. He has excellent footwork and timing for a guy so young in his career and he operates a flashy, off kilter attack that causes a lot of problems for his opponents. Hes got serious power and operates at an extremely high pace. That pace also makes him hittable but his defense is pretty solid and mitigates a lot of the worst of it. Vannata is also is a decent wrestler when the occasion calls for it but mostly he prefers his fluid striking offense.

David Teymur is also a hot shot prospect with a striking background, being very accomplished on the European Muay Thai circuit. He prefers to work at long range, firing off a sharp jab and thudding kicks. He follows these up with a powerful straight left hand that can turn off the lights his opponents. He is also an excellent defensive wrestler, sporting a perfect takedown defense so far in the UFC. When opponents fail to take him down, they often wind up in the clinch where he frames well and throws good elbows. His biggest weakness is his defense though and his hittability is cause for concern against a banger like Vannata.

This is a banger of a fight between a clean, traditional striker and a dervish of creativity. The question becomes who can impose their game plan on the other. I dont expect either fighter to be able to run away with this one, but ultimately I do think Vannatas range of offense is the difference here. He can compete (and win) against Teymur at range and his unpredictability gives him a slight edge there and his wrestling and timing give him a viable secondary option to win the fight. The pick is Vannata by KO late in the fight, but that being said, the odds here are a mile off and Teymur is worth a bet at this rate.

Breakdown

Rashad Evans hasnt fought in almost a year due to medical problems but now hes back and making his middleweight debut against. Dan Kelly. Evans is an explosive athlete, light on his feet, with accurate, powerful combinations when he chooses to throw. That caveat is important though because Evans often will sit back doing nothing, losing rounds to inferior fighters strictly on the basis of not putting actual offense together.

Evans best skill set is his wrestling. A former D-1 collegiate wrestler, Evans can finish a variety of takedowns with authority but he does his best work off a blast double leg. Once on top, he has excellent control and can pound opponents out with aggression. Hes also an excellent defensive wrestler but hes not much a submission artist, having attempted none despite his many years in the promotion.

Dan Kelly is a judoka by trade and a good one, having competed in the Olympics four separate times. Hes also an acceptable striker, especially on the counter. Hes slow and plodding though and his body is shop worn from years as a high-level athlete.

Evans is a former champion and a guy who, when at his best, could be competitive against almost anyone in the world. The problem is, Evans hasnt looked anything close to his best in years and at this point it seems like hes on his way out of the fight game. Kelly is surging but hes also almost 40 and not close to the level of competitor Evans was. Honestly, I have no idea whats going to happen here. Im picking Evans by decision, but theres no confidence in anything and thus no bet.

Breakdown

Alistair Overeem is looking to rebound from his loss to current heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic by taking on Mark Hunt in a matchup between former K-1 World Grand Prix champions. Overeem is still one of the most athletic heavyweights on the planet and that athleticism is backed by a deep well of knowledge and technique. Lately, he has opted to use a stick and move game plan where he can employ power strikes at opportunities of his choosing. His grappling is a fall back option for him and a very dangerous one at that. Hes punishing from top position and a sneaky good submission threat.

Mark Hunt is old for the division at 42, but despite his age and physique, hes still a fairly good athlete. Hunt is almost entirely a striker and hes one of the best in the division. He has an excellent understanding rhythm and he uses that to set up his power punches, particularly his left hand which can end anyones night in a hurry. Outside of striking, Hunt is a good defensive wrestler and surprisingly good on top when he winds up there. Hes also shored up a lot of his submission defense liabilities.

This is a close fight between two very high-level strikers past their primes. Overeem has more tools in the box, but Hunts focused striking game figures to give Overeem and his suspect chin a lot of problems. If Overeem can maintain a focused game plan of staying either all the way out or clinching, he should win. But thats a tough task against a crafty striker like Hunt. I think Hunt eventually lands the left hand that puts Overeem in a bad spot and from there its academic. The pick is Hunt by KO, and I like a bet on him as well.

Amanda Cooper (+100/50%) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (-120/55%)

Cooper is a quick paced striker with good footwork who also has an active submission game off of her back. Calvillo is a good athlete with strong wrestling and excellent positional control on the ground. This is a two outcome fight: either Cooper keeps it standing and wins with volume or Calvillo takes her down and wins through grappling. Calvillo is coming in on short notice here but she is the more physical, powerful fighter and she can likely get the fight to the floor, take the back, and finish it. The pick is Calvillo but she is making her UFC debut so you should pass on betting this.

Marcin Tybura (-160/62%) vs. Luis Henrique (+140/42%)

Tybura is a well-rounded fighter who keeps a high pace on the feet, throwing powerful punches and kicks. Hes even better as a top position grappler and hes a good enough wrestler to get the fight to the ground more often than not. Henrique is a jiu-jitsu player at heart but one with power and an explosive takedown game to back it up. On top, he is punishing and a solid submission hunter. Henrique is the youngest fighter in the heavyweight division and hes athletic enough to expect big improvements between fights for him. This fight is tougher to call than usual, but I think Tyburas more advanced, voluminous striking will carry the day. The pick is Tybura by late TKO.

Mirsad Bektic (-800/89%) vs. Darren Elkins (+550/15%)

Bektic is probably the best prospect in MMA at the moment. He is a blend of athleticism, power, and skill that portends greatness and future title contention. He is sharp on the feet and works in combination but he really excels in explosive takedowns and vicious ground and pound. Elkins is one of the best examples of a grinder in MMA. He can do everything but what he wants to do is stifle his opponents offense with clinches, takedowns, and control. Straight up, the odds are off here. Bektic is going to win but Elkins is the kind of durable, rugged fighter than can upend the rise of overconfident prospects in a hurry. I wont suggest betting on Elkins because its likely a losing bet but there is some value in his line. All that said, I think Bektic marches on, winning a dominant decision and betting Bektic by decision at -105 is actually a very attractive option.

Iuri Alcantara (-105/51%) vs. Luke Sanders (-115/53%)

Alcantara is a well-rounded fighter who is super dynamic. He has power on the feet but his best skill is grappling where he has strong takedowns and excellent transitions into submissions. Sanders is a hot prospect who can also do a bit of everything, excels in transition, and is a dynamic finisher. Alcantara has a size advantage but Sanders is a bit more technical on the feet and five years younger. Also, Alcantara is known for cardio issues and Sanders is tough enough to survive any early onslaught and take the later rounds. The pick is Sanders by decision and I like him for a bet so long as he stays under -120.

Mark Godbeer (-150/60%) vs. Daniel Spitz (+130/43%)

Godbeer is a striker by trade who mixes punches and kicks but doesnt have much else to fall back on. Spitz is a large heavyweight who likes to operate at range behind his jab but does his best work as a grappler. That should be enough to win the day here against Godbeer who has shown an unfortunate combination of being both willing to grapple and not exceedingly good at it. The pick is Spitz by submission and while the first rule of MMA betting (dont gamble on low level heavyweight fights) would normally apply here, the idea that Godbeer is a 60% favorite almost makes me want to throw the rule book out the window.

Tyson Pedro (-145/59%) vs. Paul Craig (+125/44%)

Pedro is a big light heavyweight with some athletic promise. He throws sharp punches but mostly hes a grappler with good takedowns and heavy control and submissions. Craig is an aggressive, come forward fighter who fires off punch-kick combinations and isnt afraid to pull guard where he uses his long limbs to snake in submissions from his back. On the feet, Craigs volume might give him the edge but I expect Pedros physicality and wrestling to keep this fight on the ground. Craig is slick there but likely not slick enough to catch Pedro who excels with top pressure. The pick is Pedro by TKO late in the second round but I would pass on betting this.

Albert Morales (-130/57%) vs. Andre Soukhamthath (+110/48%)

Morales is young, athletic fighter, equal parts skill and aggression. He can counter slickly but is also prone to bursts of wild offense. He can also scramble well but his cardio is questionable. Soukhamthath is a striker who fights well at range behind his jab or in close with knees. This probably plays out as a striking match and in that case Morales power, speed, and volume will likely carry the day over the somewhat tepid Soukhamthath. The pick is Morales by KO in the middle of the fight, and if you want to bet this, I wouldnt do so but I also wouldnt blame you.

That's all folks. Enjoy the fights everyone and good luck to those who need it. If you've got any questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew

(Editor's note: All of this advice is for entertainment purposes only.)

Read the original post:

UFC 209 odds, gambling guide - MMA Fighting

New legislation to regulate online and offline gambling was adopted by the Swiss Parliament that will limit the activity to a set number of operators based in Switzerland only, according to SWI swissinfo.ch.

While online gambling will be legalized for the first time in the country, it will be limited to operators who possess a valid gaming license from Swiss authorities for their land-based casinos. The legislation will place limits on the number of concessions for gaming and betting providers operating in the country, and operators without a license will be excluded from offering online gambling as well, according to IP-Watch.

The Senate had previously approved the block.

Having emerged again in late December and in January, the proposed block of international operators drew criticism from the Swiss Association for Information, Communications and Organization Technology warning that introducing any kind of Internet blocks could be detrimental to online security and the countrys digital economy as well as the likelihood of the blocks being largely ineffective and inaccurate.

Franz Grtter from the far-right Swiss Peoples Party (SVP) said that blocking isnt in keeping with the liberal, democratic way of thinking, He said, Its what dictatorships do, according to SWI.

Local casino operators and sports betting providers, however, will benefit from the measure as their complaint has been that theyve lost out on revenue to their international competition. The new legislation is also a win for authorities as online gambling revenue of Chf 320 million Swiss francs is deposited into the Swiss Social Security system (AHV) on a yearly basis. And Chf 560 million in licensed sports betting revenue makes its way to the canton authorities, who us the monies to pay for sports and cultural programs for the general population, according to IP-Watch.

In addition to blocking, the government also discussed tax matters. Legislators, however, appear not to be able to agree on how or if proceeds from gambling activities would be taxed. As much as CHF1 million in lottery and sports betting winnings was proposed by the Senate to remain tax-free, while the call from the House of Representatives was to have all winnings remain untaxed, as reported.

The Swiss Parliaments spring legislative session runs from February 27 to March 17, which means the government has less than two weeks to agree on a solution regarding the issues facing the new iGaming regulations. Discussions regarding matters related to gambling are reportedly scheduled to take place on March 15.

Swiss Parliament votes to block unlicensed online gambling websites; Local operators to benefit from new gaming legislation was last modified: March 5th, 2017 by K Morrison

internet blockingonline gambling regualtionswiss association for information communications and organization technologyswiss parliamentswiss people's party

See original here:

Swiss Parliament votes to block unlicensed online gambling websites; Local operators to benefit from new gaming ... - World Casino Directory

National Post

If leagues decide gambling can help grow their games, Trump could help deliver National Post But perhaps more importantly, the federal government could reverse its own ban on sports gambling. There are business and tax-revenue reasons to want to open up the legalized gambling market in the United States, and if there was ever going to be a ... and more »

Read more here:

If leagues decide gambling can help grow their games, Trump could help deliver - National Post

3 gambling suspects face raps | SunStar Sun.Star Noya was arrested for collecting bets in Barangay Mintal in Tugbok District, while Oribea and Aasco were arrested in two separate operations against illegal gambling at Kilometer 12 in Panacan. The three suspects were found in possession of cash in ...

Excerpt from:

3 gambling suspects face raps | SunStar - Sun.Star

Ken Krall and Lorri Pickens

Governor Walker this week proposed spending more money to advertise the Wisconsin Lottery. This action has drawn a sharp reaction from a group opposed to more gambling.

The state lottery's proceeds go to property tax relief. Walker has proposed a 40 percent jump in advertising to $10.5 million dollars to encourage more play.

Lorri Pickens from the group Citizens Against Expanded Gambling says the spending more for people to gamble more is a questionable action....

"....people in the poorest zip codes are playing the lottery and that is where the majority of advertising dollars are spent. All for a property tax credit on average of $107 per property owner who actually applies for the tax credit. When you look at the cost of gambling to Wisconsin families, it's a pretty big trade off for a small return...."

Pickens says gambling is a zero sum game that creates no new wealth, rather a redistribution system. Pickens thinks this more aggressive advertising approach is a conflict of interest....

".....it's a conflict of interest for government to engage in state-sponsored gambling.It's duty is to protect the citizens, not be involved in entertainment...."

The lottery has had record ticket sales in each of the last five years -- but the tax relief given to Wisconsin homeowners only netted nine percent more since 2007. A similar ad push one decade ago caused lower ticket sales as the Great Recession hit, and lawmakers of both parties have expressed doubts that the new plan would work.

Read this article:

Wisconsin Gambling Opponents Don't Want More Advertising | WXPR - WXPR

A man who won $10,000 on a slot machine in a casino was told he couldn't take his winnings home - because he had 'self-excluded' himself 17 years ago.

John Marando won the jackpot - the equivalent of around 6,000 - on a slots machine at the Mohawk racetrack and casino in Ontario, Canada, last week.

After staff were alerted to the win, however, the 82-year-old gambler was recognised and was told 'we can't pay you, you signed yourself out 17 years ago'.

Gamblers can 'self-exclude' themselves from casinos and betting shops if they want to stop gambling - usually handing over a photo and a letter of self-exclusion.

Mr Marando, however, says he had a brain operation in the intervening period and can't remember self-excusing himself - and is demanding the casino pay up.

Speaking this week, he said he had hired a lawyer to fight his case, adding: "I can't remember 17 years ago, I'm 17 years older and I've had a brain operation about eight years ago.

"I'm not going to let them get away with it.

According to local laws any gambler who has excluded themselves is 'not permitted to win prizes'.

Paul Pellizzari, of Ontario Lottery and Gaming, said: "People who are self-excluded need to know that prizes will be dis-entitled if theyre detected at a gaming facility and this is part of our support to them, part of our way of living up to the commitment to themselves to stay away from gambling."

View original post here:

Gambler who won $10000 can't take his winnings for a very unusual reason - Mirror.co.uk

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) - It's National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and just recently, New YorkState has made it possible for you to put yourself on a list, essentially banning yourself from racetracks and casinos! It's all in an effort for troubled gamblers to take control of their lives. One woman says each day is a battle to keep herself from betting.

At the height of her gambling addiction, Joyce was spending thousands each day.

"I started off with some quarters and it got to the point that wasn't enough for me," said Joyce.

A member of Gambler's Anonymous, Joyce asked that we not share her full name or show her face.

Her gambling addiction started off as many do: at a machine.

"When I was standing in front of this machine, very mesmerizing. It had my full attention," said Joyce.

She says it was her first win that sealed the deal.

"The worst thing that could've happened to me was win in the beginning," said Joyce.

As more casinos pop up across the state one addiction counselor has concerns.

"If you win, our belief is that gene is then triggered and you end up doing what we call 'chasing the bet,'" said Judi Rozsa, an addiction counselor.

That chase, whether it be a sports parlay, an online bet or at a casino can last all day every day.

"Gambling is socially acceptable and it is 24-hour accessible," said Joyce.

Del LagoCasino says it promotes "responsible gambling," meaning it's committed to keeping underage individuals and those on the exclusion or self-exclusion lists away.

There's a state hotline too. That number is 1-877-8-HOPE-N-Y or send a text to HOPENY.

Visit link:

Living with a gambling addiction - WSYR

With a senate bill looking to legalize casino gambling dead at the Georgia general assembly, developers and state residents on both sides of the issue will have to wait another year for movement on the issue.

The legislation, SB 79, introduced by Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, aimed to bring two destination resorts to the state. Beach said the bill did not have enough support in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee to make it to the Senate floor for a vote.

In its latest form, the bill called for one resort-style casino to be constructed in metro Atlanta, either in DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton, Cobb or Gwinnett. The other casino could have been located outside Atlanta.

In order to build any casinos in the state, Georgia residents would have had to vote on a referendum amending the state constitution to decide whether to allow casino gambling at all.

Now, all of that is on standby for at least the remainder of 2017.

Sen. Fran Millar, R-Dunwoody, said the votes were definitely not there in the Senate to be able to go to the public with the legislation. He said only time will tell what happens with the future of the divisive issue.

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur, said a lack of comfort and confidence in casino gambling being good for the county and state is a large factor in the issue.

Everywhere I go, from rotary clubs to PTA meetings, I have asked if people are for or against this, and I have not found one group that supports it yet, Oliver said.

According to Sen. Bruce Thompson, R-District 14, concert venues, hotels and restaurants across the region have expressed concern about the casinos ability to draw people in with cheap rooms, food and entertainment.

There is concern too of other factors that surround large casinos. In a Central Atlanta Progress report, potential social impacts of an Atlanta casino were listed including reduced productivity, higher crime rates, bad debts, bankruptcy, therapy and welfare costs.

Beach has argued that gambling is already legal in Georgia through the lottery and that additional revenue brought in through casinos could benefit the state.

The failed bill would have levied a 20 percent tax on the two casinos, which would be used for state education and health care.

The lack of support has not stopped developers from continuing to try and convince local residents of the value of a potential casino in metro Atlanta.

Just days before the bill fell flat in the capitol, Bill Hornbuckle, president of MGM Resorts International, spoke at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerces 79th annual meeting about working with the local community to build something they want.

Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

We are open, transparent and ready to talk, he said. We go where we are wanted.

MGM has proposed a $2 billion resort-style casino in the city that would employ around 4,000 people and become one of the largest taxpayers in the county where it would be located.

Hornbuckle said he understood some of the controversy, especially with concern around a casino competing with local businesses, such as the Fox Theater and Woodruff Arts Center.

We come into the community to understand how we can best serve and make it better for everyone, he said We are not bringing Las Vegas style casinos.

As it is, Hornbuckle said Georgians are already supporting casino gambling, but are going outside the state to do it. He said, according to outside research, Georgia residents are estimated to spend around $600 million annually at out-of-state casinos, such as Harrahs Cherokee Valley River in North Carolina just a three hour drive from Atlanta.

This is ultimately an activity already happening, with revenue going outside the state that could be here, he said.

On Twitter, users in Georgia spoke both for and against casino gambling coming to the state.

Originally posted here:

Renewed push for casino gambling in Atlanta loses steam - MDJOnline.com

Learn How to Stop Gambling and Regain Control of Your Finances and Relationships

It can happen to anyone from any walk of life: Your gambling goes from a fun, innocuous diversion to an unhealthy preoccupation with serious consequences. Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slotsin a casino, at the track, or onlineif your gambling becomes a problem, it can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. You may even do things you never thought you would, like stealing money to gamble or pay debts. It may feel like you cant stop, but with the right help, you can overcome a gambling problem or addiction and regain control of your life.

What you can do

Gambling addictionalso known aspathological gambling, compulsive gamblingorgambling disorderis an impulse-control disorder. If youre a compulsive gambler, you cant control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. Youll gamble whether youre up or down, broke or flush, happy or depressed, and youll keep gambling regardless of the consequenceseven when you know that the odds are against you or you cant afford to lose.

Of course, you can also have a gambling problem without being totally out of control. Problem gamblingis any gambling behavior that disrupts your life. If youre preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences in your life, you have a gambling problem.

A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, youll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well. The first step is to separate the myths from the facts about gambling problems:

Myth: You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.

Fact: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.

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

Fact: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can also lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems including depression and anxiety, and even suicide.

Myth: Having a gambling problem is just a case of being weak-willed, irresponsible, or unintelligent.

Fact: Gambling problems affect people of all levels of intelligence and all backgrounds. Previously responsible and strong-willed people are just as likely to develop a gambling problem as anyone else.

Myth: Partners of problem gamblers often drive problem gamblers to gamble.

Fact: Problem gamblers often rationalize their behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.

Myth: If a problem gambler builds up a debt, you should help them take care of it.

Fact: Quick fix solutions 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.

Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a "hidden illness" because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. You may have a gambling problem if you:

Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling.You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, feeling others wont understand or that you will surprise them with a big win.

Have trouble controlling your gambling.Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until youve spent your last dollar, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?

Gamble even when you dont have the money. You may gamble until youve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you dont havemoney to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell, or even steal things for gambling money.

Have family and friends worried about you.Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. Its not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Many older gamblers are reluctant to reach out to their adult children if they've gambled away their inheritance, but it's never too late to make changes for the better.

Take this test to find out.

In the last 12-months, have you:

1. Needed to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement??

2. Felt restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?

3. Made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling?

4. Often been preoccupied with gambling, such as reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble?

5. Gambled when feeling distressed in some way, such as anxious, stressed, lonely, guilty, or depressed?

6. After losing money gambling, returned another day to get even or chase your losses?

7. Lied to conceal your gambling?

8. Jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or school or career opportunity because of gambling?

9. Relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

Please answer all the questions

Interpreting the score:

4 to 5: Indicates a MILD gambling problem

6 to 7: Indicates a MODERATE gambling problem

8 to 9: Indicates a SEVERE gambling problem

This questionnaire is not intended to replace professional diagnosis.

Adapted from: DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria: Gambling Disorder

The biggest step to overcoming a gambling addiction is realizing that you have a problem. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. But many others have been in your shoes and have been able to break the habit. You can, too.

Seek help for underlying mood disorders. Depression,stress, substance abuse, oranxiety can both trigger gambling problems and be made worse by compulsive gambling. Even when gambling is no longer a part of your life, these problems will still remain, so its important to address them.

Learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways. Do you gamble when youre lonely or bored? Or after a stressful day at work or school? Gambling may be a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions. But there are healthier and more effective ways of managing your moods, such as practicing relaxation techniques.

Strengthen your support network.Its tough to battle any addiction without support, so reach out to friends and family. If your support network is limited, there are ways to make new friends without relying on visiting casinos or gambling online.Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause.

Join a support group. Gamblers Anonymous, for example, is a twelve-step recovery program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. A key part of the program is finding a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience remaining free from addiction and can provide invaluable guidance and support.

Its true: the Internet has made gambling far more accessibleand harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Online casinos and bookmakers are open all day, every day for anyone with a smartphone. But staying in recoverymaking a permanent commitment to stop gamblingis still possible if you:

One way to stop gambling is to remove the elements necessary for gambling to occur in your life and replace them with healthier choices. The four elements needed for gambling to continue are:

A decision:For gambling to happen, you need to make the decision to gamble. If you have an urge:stopwhat you are doing and call someone,thinkabout the consequences to your actions,tellyourself to stop thinking about gambling, andfindsomething else to do immediately.

Money:Gambling cannot occur without money. Get rid of your credit cards, let someone else be in charge of your money, have the bank make automatic payments for you, close online betting accounts, and keep only a limited amount of cash on you.

Time:Even online gambling cannot occur if you dont have the time. Schedule enjoyable recreational time for yourself that has nothing to do with gambling. If youre gambling on your smartphone, find other ways to fill the quiet moments during your day.

A game:Without a game or activity to bet on there is no opportunity to gamble. Dont put yourself in tempting environments. Tell gambling establishments you frequent that you have a gambling problem and ask them to restrict you from entering. Remove gambling apps and block gambling sites on your smartphone and computer.

Maintaining recovery from gambling addiction or problem gambling depends a lot on finding alternative behaviors you can substitute for gambling. Some examples include:

To provide excitement, get a rush of adrenaline

Sport or a challenging hobby, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, or Go Kart racing

To be more social, overcome shyness or isolation

Counseling, enroll in a public speaking class, join a social group, connect with family and friends, volunteer, find new friends

To numb unpleasant feelings, not think about problems

Therapy, consult Helpguides Emotional Intelligence toolkit

Boredom or loneliness

Find something youre passionate about such as art, music, sports, or books and then find others with the same interests

To relax after a stressful day

As little as 15 minutes of daily exercise can relieve stress. Or deep breathing, meditation, or massage

To solve money problems

The odds are always stacked against you so its far better to seek help with debts from a credit counselor

Feeling the urge to gamble is normal, but as you build healthier choices and a strong support network, resisting cravings will become easier. When a gambling craving strikes:

Avoid isolation.Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

Distract yourself with another activity, such as going to the gym, watching a movie, or practicing a relaxation exercise for gambling cravings.

Postpone gambling.Tell yourself that youll wait 5 minutes, fifteen minutes, or an hour. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist.

Visualize what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble. Think about how youll feel after all your money is gone and youve disappointed yourself and your family again.

If you arent able to resist the gambling craving, dont be too hard on yourself or use it as an excuse to give up. Overcoming a gambling addiction is a tough process. You may slip from time to time; the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and continue working towards recovery.

Seeking professional help or seeing a therapist does not mean you are weak or cant handle your problems. Therapy can give you tools and support for coping with your addiction that will last a lifetime. Problem gambling can sometimes be a symptom of bipolar disorder, so your doctor or therapist may need to rule out this disorder before making a diagnosis.

Inpatient treatment programs are an option for those with severe gambling addiction who are unable to avoid gambling without round-the-clock support.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) for gambling addiction focuses on changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts, such as rationalizations and false beliefs. It can also teach you how to fight gambling urges and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by problem gambling.

The Four Steps Program is a variation of CBT aimed at changing your thoughts and beliefs about gambling in four steps: re-label, reattribute, refocus, and revalue. See Resources and References below.

Marriage and credit counseling can help you work through specific issues created by problem gambling.

While compulsive gamblers need the support of their family and friends to stop gambling, its common for loved ones to have conflicting emotions. You may have tried to cover up for the gambler or spent a lot of time trying to keep him or her from gambling. At the same time, you might be furious at your loved one for gambling again and tired of trying to keep up the charade. The gambler may also have borrowed (or even stolen) money from you with no way to pay it back, sold family possessions, or run up huge debts on joint credit cards. As hard as it is seeing the effects your loved ones problem, you cannot make someone stop gambling. The decision to quit has to be theirs.

When faced with the consequences of their actions, a gambler can suffer a crushing drop in self-esteem. This is one reason why there is a high rate of suicide among problem gamblers.

When gamblers feel hopeless, the risk of suicide is high. Its very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or for a suicide helpline outside the U.S., visit Befrienders Worldwide.

Source: Dept. of Health & Addiction Services

Related HelpGuide articles

If you need powerful social and emotional skills that support recovery and eliminate stress,read FEELING LOVED.

Learn more

The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline Offers a confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers or their family members in the U.S. Call 1-800-522-4700. (NCPG)

Gamblers Anonymous Twelve-step Gamblers Anonymous program, an internationalsupport network of meetings to assist people who have a gambling problem. (Gamblers Anonymous)

Gamcare Offers support, information, and advice for those with a gambling problem in the UK. Call the helpline 0845 6000 133. (Gamcare)

Gambling Help Online Provides 24-hour helpline in Australia for counseling, information, and referrals. Call 1800 858 858. (Gambling Help Online)

Canadian Resources for Those Affected by Problem Gambling Find help and information on problem gambling in your area of Canada. (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

What Is Problem Gambling? Learn about the gambling continuum and the key differences between recreational gambling and problem gambling. (British Columbia Responsible & Problem Gambling Program)

Do I Need Help? Helpful questions for self-evaluation. (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Your First Step to Change: Gambling Self-change toolkit helps problem gamblers learn about their addiction and take steps to overcome it. (The Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School)

The Four Steps Although the article is written for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, it outlines in more detail the four steps used in a variant of cognitive behavioral therapy, and how you can apply them to change thought processes and control impulses. (Westwood Institute of Anxiety Disorders, commercial site)

Freedom from Problem Gambling(PDF) Self-help workbook for compulsive gamblers, with tips on how to avoid relapse and fight gambling urges. (UCLA Gambling Studies Program and California Department of Public Health)

Choosing a Treatment Facility Learn what treatments are appropriate for problem gambling and what questions you should ask when look at facilities. (National Council on Problem Gambling)

Problem Gamblers and their Finances(PDF) In-depth guide for treatment professionals on how to help a problem gambler cope with financial problems and pressures. (National Endowment for Financial Education)

Help for Family, Friends, Employers, and Co-Workers Learn how gambling addiction affects family and friends and what you can do to address the problem. (Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services)

Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers(PDF) Designed to help families deal with personal financial issues due to a loved one's problem gambling. (National Council on Problem Gambling)

Information for Families (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) Explore resources for family members of problem gamblers. Includes a downloadable PDF guide for families.

Gam-Anon Twelve-step program for the problem gamblers spouse, family members, or close friends. (Gam-Anon International Service Office, Inc)

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

Authors: Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Lawrence Robinson. Last updated: January 2017.

Original post:

Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Learn How to Stop ...

Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month

MARYLAND - Problem Gambling Awareness Month starts today, nationwide.

And Maryland Lottery and Gaming is just one organization doing their part.

47 ABC spoke with Carole Gentry, the director of communications.

Gentry said the state's casinos pay annual assessment fees, which are set aside for "responsible gambling programs".

She said last year, the state collected $3.8 million in fees.

I mean for most people gambling, play at casinos, playing the lottery it's a form of entertainment. But there is a small percentage of people who have a problem with gambling and this is a great way to raise awareness about that, Gentry said.

47 ABC also spoke with Loreen Rugle, the program director at Maryland's Center of Excellence on Program Gambling.

Rugle said that stereotypes about gambling addictions often involve greed.

She adds that this month, the aim is to erase those stereotypes while providing help and resources for those with gambling addictions.

It's your neighbors, your friends, your family. And most people feel so shameful to talk about it. They let it progress until they hit absolute bottom before they reach out and let anybody know, Rugle said.

Both Gentry and Rugle stress that if you, or someone you know, might be struggling with a gambling problem there is a toll free number to call.

1-800-GAMBLER provides confidential, free assistance to connect with local counselors and treatment providers.

Here is the original post:

Problem Gambling Awareness Month - WMDT