ALLISON MCGILL
WHETHER YOU ROOT FOR THE METS, YANKEES, GIANTS OR JETS, NEW YORKERS ARE RENOWNED FOR OUR FIERCE ENTHUSIASM FOR SPORTS. WHILE IT IS UNDENIABLE THAT SPORTING EVENTS CAN BE A CELEBRATION OF SORTS, BRINGING LOVED ONES AND FRIENDS TOGETHER FOR A SHARED EXPERIENCE FULL OF EXCITEMENT AND ENJOYMENT, THERE IS ANOTHER COMPONENT ENTANGLED IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS: SPORTS BETTING.
Sports betting has been a popular pastime for generations, and with New York State’s legalization of online sports betting this past January, the state has already seen billions of dollars in tax revenue and, more notably has seen a large increase in individuals seeking help for problem gambling behaviors.
Since January 2021, OASAS (Office of Addiction Services and Supports) has reported a 46% increase in calls to its gambling helpline. Michelle Hadden, assistant executive director of programs with the New York Council on Problem Gambling, stated in a recent New York Times article that, “Many of the bettors who signed up in recent weeks were new to gambling, including young people who are not educated, not prepared and easily swayed by the advertising.”
So, what is gambling vs. problem gambling? Gambling is defined by OASAS as, “the act of risking something of value on a game of chance for the desired result.” Problem Gambling is defined by the National Council on Problem gambling as, “gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.” Known as the hidden addiction, problem gambling is often undetectable to others until extensive consequences begin to surface, consequences that can amount to more than monetary losses.
Although online sports betting may be the newest facet in the sphere of gambling, gambling is not limited to that. Gambling includes casino table games and slot machines, lottery, scratch-off tickets, sports betting, bingo, raffles, office pools, card games, and online gaming.
How can you tell when gambling is becoming a problem for you or your loved one? Here are warning signs to watch for as outlined by New York Council on Problem Gambling:
• Using gambling to cope with certain stressors or boredom
• Disrupted sleep, work, or other forms of daily life caused by gambling
• Arguments, frustrations, or self-destructive thoughts causing one to gamble
• Borrowing, stealing, or collecting insurmountable debt to maintain gambling habit
• Unfulfilled promises that one will stop gambling
• Time lost with family/friends due to time spent gambling
With online sports betting becoming increasingly prevalent within the adolescent population, certain signs, and behaviors to watch for in that age group as outlined by New York Council on Problem Gambling are:
• Absences from school/classes—can be tied to a decline in grades or ability to complete assignments
• Changes in their personality/behavior
• Bragging about winning at gambling
• Unusual interest in newspapers, magazines, periodicals, sports scores
• Unaccountable explanation for new items of value in possession
• Borrowing or stealing money
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Exaggerated use of word “bet” in vocabulary and/or use of gambling language in conversations
Problem gambling is an emotional issue that contributes to severe financial strife and has the power to adversely affect the lives of gamblers and their loved ones. If you believe you or a loved one is dealing with a gambling addiction, it is critical to bear in mind that there are many resources that can provide guidance and support for you and your loved ones while navigating these challenging moments.
The SAFE Foundation offers an extensive problem gambling program for gamblers and their loved ones with weekly individual and group therapy as well as Sunday night Gamblers Anonymous meetings on our premises.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-718-GET-SAFE, 24/7 for assistance.
Allison McGill is originally from Rochester, New York and has lived in Brooklyn for the past 12 years. She has recently received her CASAC-T from Lehman College and is passionate about the work surrounding recovery and family work.
