The time for Super Bowl fun and festivities are creeping right around the corner just like the man in a trench coat you ran into, and away from, last week and and one other time during spring break a few summers ago in Florida.The Super Bowl is a big deal to nearly every human in the country, it’s a time for friends, family, drinking, yelling, celebrating, television, couches, and of course, gambling.
If you ever had a problem, specifically with self-control or addiction, you know how much it sucks. A gambling addiction seems to be the short-end of the addiction draw-sticks, you throw all your hard earned dollars into a machine with hopes to see flashing lights and loud noises with a number on the screen that keeps growing and eventually you have to be escorted to your vehicle by police after they hand you a big check. Some addictions are similar but the odds of flashing lights, noise and an expensive police escort are much better and not to your benefit.
With the Super Bowl XLVII just nine days away from appearing on your boob-tube, it’s important to know that the Super Bowl is also one of the most-gambled-on sporting events, a news release from the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services says it all,
“According to ESPN, wagers on last year’s Super Bowl were projected to exceed $10 billion internationally. And in the United States, sports betting is illegal almost everywhere.”
So this means that the total amount of wagers made in 2012 collectively surpassed the cost of a 30-second television commercial during the game which would run you about $3.5 million.
““Though gambling can be a source of entertainment for many, over 55,000 Nebraskans meet the criteria for problem gambling behavior in a given year.”
“Problem gamblers may be preoccupied with gambling, bet more money than they can afford, lie about the money and time spent gambling and often chase their losses,” said Scot Adams, director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.””
Program Manager for the Division of Behavioral Health’s Gamblers Assistance Program, Maya Chilese, explains the signs of a gambling problem if by chance you find yourself gambling away your wedding ring while caught in the moment.
““If placing a bet becomes more important than sticking to reasonable limits, that’s a sign of problem gambling,” said Chilese. “But help for problem gambling is available, and it works.”
Treatment services may include crisis intervention, individual counseling, group therapy and family counseling. Help is often available at no to low cost for the gambler and his or her loved ones.”
Like the Super Bowl, you can’t do it alone. You can access many useful resources to get yourself back in the field of stability and you might even say “no” to your friend after you give his quarter back because the slots are not part of your goals!
“If you think you, a friend or family member may be experiencing problematic gambling behavior, confidential and free support is available 24/7 through the Gamblers Assistance Program’s Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). More information about problem gambling, including low-risk playing tips, is available at PlayItSafe.ne.gov.
The Division of Behavioral Health in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the Gamblers Assistance Program. GAP provides funding for the helpline, treatment services, prevention and outreach services and counselor training. The program is paid for by funding in part from the State Lottery and the Heath Care Cash Fund.”