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Despite the fact that treatment works, nearly 90 percent of people diagnosed with a gambling disorder do not seek treatment.
National Center for Responsible Gaming, Top 10 Research Studies Impacting Gambling Disorders
When you call 1-800-333-HOPE, you’ll speak with an understanding, specially trained licensed counselor who is ready to answer your questions. He or she will connect you with the resources you’ll need to make a positive step forward.
When you text HOPE to 53342 you will be able to talk with a live licensed counselor who can provide the support you need, referrals for gambling treatment, as well as basic gambling addiction information and resources.
When you text HOPE to 61222, you’ll be connected with an automated system that will refer to you to treatment providers near you.
All communications are completely confidential and non-judgmental. The person you’re speaking with will only know what you choose to share.
The call is free, and most treatment services you might pursue are also free of charge for qualifying individuals throughout Minnesota, or priced at a sliding scale against your income.
It’s natural and understandable to hesitate to share deeply personal – and sometimes painful – issues with someone outside your circle of relationships. But it can also be necessary to get the help you need. You’ll be speaking with someone in confidence who does not know you, will not judge you, and is there to help.
Casinos and other gambling games have built-in mathematical advantages to ensure that they will make money. Casino games and devices are based on random events or random number generators. Streaks and patterns are entirely random, and the next event is unpredictable and independent of previous events. Yet over the course of play, even these random outcomes are tipped to the casino’s favor.
Some gamblers begin to have an illusion that their lucky shirt or pushing a button a certain way gives them control, but the games are operated by random devices or cards.
The belief in “winning streaks,” “losing streaks” and “near-misses” is common but in reality, these patterns don’t exist. The next spin, hand, or drawing is random and unconnected to the last – and the casino always has the advantage.
In fact, there is a name for this misconception: the gambler’s fallacy. The gambler’s fallacy is the belief that if something has not happened for a long time, it is bound to happen. Just because a flipped coin lands on heads nine times in a row, it doesn’t mean that it is more likely to land on tails– the chance is still 50/50.
For free, confidential assistance, call 1-800-333-HOPE or text HOPE to 61222.
For some, a support group can be a tremendous help. You can find a Gamblers Anonymous support group online.
Set goals and set yourself up for success. Create short- and long-term goals to help you focus on recovery. Avoid high-risk situations, such as meeting at gambling venues or carrying around large amounts of money.
Face your feelings and talk about them. Speak openly with someone you trust to reduce stress and acknowledge your feelings without blame or judgment.
Focus on the positives and find healthy alternatives. Acknowledge your achievements and find healthy new hobbies or activities to reduce the temptation to gamble.
Realize lapses may happen. Many people experience lapses, but that doesn’t mean you have failed in recovery. Learn from your lapses to see how you can identify triggers and avoid future lapses in recovery.
