Problem Gambling

PROBLEM GAMBLING

No matter how successful you may be at playing games that require skill, or games of chance, unless you manage your money well, you may still end up spending more than you budget.

You must manage your gaming expenditures to ensure both safety and enjoyment.

NEVER gamble with borrowed money.
Work out your weekly or monthly recreation spending budget and don't go over it.
Only spend what you can afford to lose when playing.

Gambling should be a pleasurable experience. Borrowing money to play, spending above your budget or using money allocated for other purposes is not only unwise but can lead to more significant problems for yourself and your family.

We want you to enjoy playing J & S Foundation games and contests and to enjoy the experience. Achieve this goal by setting limits for yourself in your gaming activities.

Remember: Bet with your head... not above it. Gambling is not the problem... problem gambling is.

Warning Signs of Compulsive Gambling

Loss of control over frequency of wagering.
Inability to meet financial obligations due to gambling.
Mood swings at home, work or with friends when gambling fortunes sway.
Preoccupation with gambling during work or social events.
Feelings of guilt or shame because of gambling.
Inability to stop gambling.

Compulsive gambling is a progressive behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable preoccupation with gambling. The gambling reaches a point where it compromises, disrupts, and destroys the gambler's personal life, family relations and job. If you think that you have a gambling problem, then you probably do.

A person can become a problem gambler whether he or she is gambling on bingo or casino games, stocks or sports, real estate or the lottery, horse racing or dice, dog racing or cards, even pool or video games.

If gambling is a problem for you or for someone you know, there is hope and help.

Problem Gambler's Twenty Questions

Do you lose time from work due to gambling?
Is gambling making your home life unhappy?
Is gambling affecting your reputation?
Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or to solve financial difficulties?
Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
Have you ever sold any real or personal property to finance gambling?
Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
Does gambling make you careless of the welfare of your family?
Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?
Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling?
Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create with you an urge to gamble?
Do you have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?

Important Telephone Numbers
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING	1-800-522-4700
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS	1-213-386-8789
GAM-ANON	1-718-352-1671