Category Archives: Gambling

LITTLE ROCK (KATV)

Little Rock officers say a man was critically injured in a shooting that apparently stemmed from a gambling disagreement.

Officers responded to the 3300 block of South Polk Street around 8:25 p.m. Saturday for a shooting just occurred.

Police say no one was at the scene but they did find a glass door of the home shattered, empty shell casings inside and a hand gun.

Officers were then notified that a victim was taken to UAMS for his injuries.

Witnesses at the hospital told police they were inside the home gambling when the suspect lost, got mad and shot at the victim.

The suspect ran from the house in an unknown direction. Authorities are not sure if he was also injured.

According to the police report, investigating officers also found another crime scene in a nearby parking lot in the 5300 block of Asher Avenue.

At this time, it is not clear whether the two cases are related.

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Man injured in shooting following gambling argument | KATV - KATV

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

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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 »

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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 ...

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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

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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.

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Problem Gambling Awareness Month - WMDT