FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2010
Contact: Amber Bunch
Executive Director
Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
(303) 662-0772
Lois Rice
Executive Director
Colorado Gaming Association
(303) 237-5480
Colorado Problem Gambling Helpline (800) 522-4700
Gambling Helpline Provides Support Statewide
DENVER – Nearly 350 Coloradoans sought assistance with gambling addictions last year by reaching out to the Colorado Problem Gambling Helpline. The Helpline provides guidance and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Staffed by trained mental health professionals, the Helpline can present a variety of possible solutions – from suggesting treatment centers to offering information on Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
“The Helpline is often the first step in the road to recovery for problem gamblers,” said Amber Bunch, executive director of the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC). “We’re lucky to have this resource available in Colorado.”
The Coalition turns the spotlight on problem gambling resources during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 7-13. Informing the public about the Helpline is a key part of the Coalition’s outreach campaign. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that only a small percentage of the six to nine million problem gamblers nationwide seek help.
Of the 348 calls received by the Helpline last year, 275 were from callers seeking help for themselves. The Helpline also fielded 67 calls from spouses, friends and family members of problem gamblers.
While the vast majority of calls were from residents of Denver-metro area counties, the Helpline did receive calls from nearly every corner of the state in 2009. More than 200 of the callers were referred to Gambling Anonymous support groups.
To help identify problem gamblers, the PGCC has provided 10 questions about gambling behavior.
- Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
- Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
- Have thoughts of gambling have caused you to lose sleep?
- Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
- Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
- Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
- Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
- Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
- Have you been remorseful after gambling?
- Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
If you or someone you know answers “yes” to any of these questions, the PGCC encourages you to call the Colorado Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-522-4700.
In addition, individuals in Denver who would like more information on problem gambling and available treatment can visit the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado’s Web site at www.problemgamblingcolorado.org.
The mission of the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado is to increase awareness, advocate treatment and promote research and education on problem gambling. Members include organizations such as the Colorado Lottery, the Colorado Division of Gaming, the Colorado Gaming Association, the Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR) at the Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine, University of Denver and other industry and treatment professionals.
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