Gambling Disorder Prevention
Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-270-7117
Text: 877-535-1199
24/7 helpline available for crisis intervention, gambling disorder screening, and treatment referral.
Michigan Gambler Anonymous Hotline
Call: 855-222-5542
Find a GA Meeting HERE
Connect with other individuals to share experiences and hope related to gambling disorder recovery.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-426-2537
Text: 800GAM
24/7 helpline offering general information, gambling behavior self-assessment, treatment info, and more.
Gam-Anon Helpline
Call: 718-352-1671
Find a Gam-Anon Meeting HERE
Resources and meetings for family members and friends adversely affected by a loved one’s gambling.
Michigan Gambling Treatment Providers by County
Find Local Providers HERE
Compiled list of local counselors who specialize in treating gambling-related concerns.
Michigan Responsible Gambling & Self-Exclusion Resources
Find More Problem Gambling Support Resources HERE
“Responsible gambling” can minimize potential negative effects that gambling can have on a person, their loved ones, and their community. “Self-exclusion” programs allow individuals to register to be excluded from certain legal gambling or gaming activities.
Gambling Information Overview
What is Gambling?
Gambling is risking money or something of material value on something with an uncertain outcome in hopes of winning additional money or something of material value.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family/friends, often disrupting their daily life and career.
What is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling disorder has the same signs as problem gambling and is a diagnosable condition. Gambling disorder is a type of addiction that can be treated.
Signs of Problem Gambling:
-
Losing interest in other hobbies or activities.
-
Neglecting personal needs including hygiene and nutrition.
-
Increasing substance use while gambling.
-
Avoiding answering questions about gambling habits.
-
Lying about gambling behaviors or losses.
-
Avoiding family, friends, and relationships to gamble.
-
Making risky financial decisions to continue gambling.
-
Borrowing or stealing money from others to continue gambling.
-
Being unable to set and keep limits on gambling.
Tips for Safer Gambling:
-
If you choose to gamble, do it for entertainment only.
-
Set a dollar limit - and stick to it.
-
Set a time limit - and stick to it.
-
Expect to lose - the odds aren’t on your side.
-
Choose your family, friends, or hobbies over gambling.
-
Avoid “chasing” lost money.
-
Avoid gambling as a way of coping with emotional or physical pain.
-
Educate yourself on the warning signs of problem gambling.
-
Don’t gamble on credit.
-
Treat the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment.
GAMBLING INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Michigan’s Don’t Regret the Bet Resource Page
National Council on Problem Gambling’s Resource Page
Prevention: Talking to Youth About Gambling
Brain Connections: Young Brains & Video Games
Tips & Tools for Preventing Youth Gambling
Have a Game Plan – Responsible Sports Betting Resources
LOCAL, STATE, AND NATIONAL DATA
PIHP Region 6 – 2022 Gambling Disorder Prevention Needs Assessment Report
Michigan's FY 2021 Gambling Disorder Services Annual Report
Michigan and Detroit Gambling Revenue Reports (by year and industry)
2021 National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences
Regional Gambling Disorder Prevention Efforts
FY 2022 CMHPSM Gambling Prevention Media Campaign
In 2021-2022, CMHPSM implemented a youth and parent-focused media campaign to promote education and awareness about problem gambling. The campaign utilized various marketing mediums in Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties and had over 12 million impressions. Review the Regional Media Campaign Executive Report to learn more.
A core focus of the campaign was education on loot boxes:
-
Many video games – even games marketed toward children – offer the player the opportunity to purchase loot boxes.
-
Loot boxes are virtual packages containing [often] unknown prizes that the player hopes will advance their game.
-
Loot boxes have been associated with gambling, and some countries have even passed legislation to regulate loot boxes.
Community Trainings on Problem Gambling
Since 2021, CMHPSM has worked to bring Region 6 behavioral health provider staff and community members training and continuing education opportunities related to gambling. CMHPSM has worked to connect and collaborate with experts from across the country to cover a variety of topics and intersecting areas of gambling disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Training highlights include:
Understanding and Addressing Problem Gambling in Older Adults” presented by Elizabeth Mulvaney, MSW, LCSW – Clinical Assistance Professor at University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work and Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, PC – CEO of The Better Institute
“African-Descent Solution Gambling or Problem Gambling? Expanding Problem and Solution Gambling Menu Options for Prevention, Treatment and Community Wellness” presented by Dr. Deborah G. Haskins, LCPC, ICGC-II, CCGSO, BACC of MOSAIC Consulting and Counseling Services
“The Hidden Battle; A Silent Struggle. Gambling Disorder Among Military Service Members and Veterans” presented by David Yaeger with the National Council on Problem Gambling
“Understanding Gambling-motivated Crime and Criminal Justice System Considerations” presented by Michelle L. Malkin, JD, PhD with Gambling Research & Policy Initiative (GRPI) - East Carolina University
“The Ecosystem of Gambling and Gaming for Youth” presented by Lori A. Mello, MA, LPC, MPA with Health Management Systems of America