Gambling addicts in New Jersey have a new resource of seeking help. They can send a text message to a 24-hour gambling addiction supportservice, according to the Council on Compulsive Gambling's New Jersey executive director Donald Weinbaum.
Weinbaum says the text number is just one part of a wider attempt by the Council to help problem gamblers solve their issues. Texting has become such a large part of people's lives that gamblers need to be table to text to seek help.
Text 800GAMBLER for Help
In addition to the 1-800-GAMBLER hotline number, players now can text "800GAMBLER" to 53342 to receive instant support for their gaming issues. Many people prefer the emotional distance or brevity of a text message over a personal phone call. Also, the younger generation of gamblers text as a way of life, so they might feel more comfortable texting for help than making a formal phone call. In either case, the "800GAMBLER" option is another resource problem gamblers can use.
Why Christmas Is a Dangerous Time
Weinbaum explained that the Council on Compulsive Gambling's service is ready to provide counseling and support throughout the year. He told the Press of Atlantic City, "Our message is that help is available anytime to anybody who needs its. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year."
The New Jersey nonprofit organization's executive director says that Christmas is full of triggers for those who fight a gaming addiction. People might seek quick cash to pay for Christmas, or they might seek an adrenaline rush to escape from the pressures of the holiday season. Those without a stable family support unit might deal with depression during the holidays. In those cases, a gambler might seek escape and solace in a winning streak.
24/7 Support - 365 Days a Year
No matter the day of the year, casino gambling is set up against the gambler, so problem gamblers are more likely to exacerbate their problems rather than make them better. One understated reason problem gamblers are vulnerable is the fact they cannot stop when they're winning.
Casino's and the House Edge
The house edge on most slot machine gambling tends to be around 5% or more, though it can be less than 1.5% for games like craps and baccarat. Blackjack and video poker have a house edge near 0.5%. But in almost all cases, the casino has an advantage.
With the relatively small margins, gamblers can play for some time without the perception that they face a disadvantage. Almost half the players win more than they lose, so enough gamblers go away happy that they keep returning.
Compulsive Gambling Is Bad Strategy
In the case of problem gamblers, their compulsive nature is triggered by winning or losing. When losing, the player makes desperation calls to try to win back what they lost. But even when they're winning, the problem gambler wants to ride the lucky streak for maximum profit. Unfortunately, in most cases, the odds catches up to them and they end up losing back all their winnings--and then some.
Trained Professionals on Hand
Donald Weinbaum says the Council on Compulsive Gambling has professionals ready to offer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Weinbaum told the Press of Atlantic City, "The council has an arrangement to make sure there are trained professionals on the calls at all hours. Every person is on their own schedule. We frequently get calls in the middle of the night. People call when they're hurting."
Casinos tend to be 24 hour a day operations, so a counseling service also needs 24/7 operations. Donald Weinbaum's service offers that, along with a text number to speed the process along.
The New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling has worked with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement for years. One example of that cooperation is cited on the DGE's own official website: the state's self-exclusion program. On the site, the Division of Gaming Enforcement includes a quote from Donald Weinbaum: "The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is pleased to cooperate with the DGE in offering an expanded self-exclusion program covering Internet as well as casino gambling. For persons experiencing problems as result of their gambling, self-exclusion can be a very useful tool."
The Council on Compulsive Gambling is a nationwide organization with chapter presidents at the state level. The Massachusetts chapter of the Council recently was quote in the Boston Globe commenting on new self-limiting technology being tested by Penn National Gaming at its Plainville Racetrack and Casino Facility in Plainridge, Massachusetts.
