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Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling in Connecticut

What is Gambling?

Gambling is taking part in any game or activity in which you risk money or a valuable object to win money. In most cases people do not develop a gambling problem, it is estimated between 1.5-2% meet the criteria for problem gambling in Connecticut according to Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is the uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences in a person’s life. Gambling addiction can contribute to poor mental health and physical health, loss of money, and problems with family, friends, and coworkers.

Learn more about Problem Gambling on these websites:

SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration) – 1-800-662-4357 – www.samhsa.gov

Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) / Problem Gambling Services (PGS)– 860-344-2244 or toll-free 866-440-4375 -- https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-Services/Problem-Gambling/PGS---Home-Page

Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling – 1-888-789-777 – www.ccpg.org & https://ccpg.org/get-help/resources/

Types of Gambling?

Commercial gambling includes lotteries, instant lotteries, number games (such as Lotto and Keno), sports betting, horse betting, poker and other card games, casino table games (such as roulette and craps), bingo, and electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Additional forms of gambling include fantasy sports, raffle, online games (such as video games).

How Big is the Problem in Connecticut?

According to recent data from the CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG):

1.5-2% population will meet the criteria for a Gambling Disorder
- Approximately 53,863 individuals enough to fill Fenway Park 1.5 times or Yankee Stadium once with a few people standard.
8% of the CT population are considered “at-risk” of developing a gambling problem in their lifetime.
- That is approximately 287,269 CT residents; enough to attend 28 sold out concerts at Mohegan Sun Arena

How Does Gambling Impact Connecticut Teens?

According to recent data from the CT Council on Problem Gambling

(CCPG), teens who start gambling at younger ages, gamble with their

parents, or have family members with gambling problems are most

likely to develop an issue with problem gambling.

68% of teens place a bet each year.

If teens gamble, they are 3x more likely to drink alcohol, 4x more

likely to smoke cigarettes, twice as likely to use illegal drugs, 2x more

likely to be in a fight, and 4x more likely to get in trouble with

the police.

Up to 25% of youth with gambling problems attempt suicide.

How to Seek Help:

In addition to SAMHSA, DMHAS and CCPG, here are resources for anyone struggling with problem gambling or affected by someone with issues related to problem gambling:

1. The National Problem Gambling Helpline – 800-522-4700

2. The Hub: Behavioral Action Organization for Southwestern CT – 203-579-2727 – www.thehubct.org/gambling

3. Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem –www.gamblersanonymous.org

4. Gam-Anon is a self-help organization for the spouse, family, or close friends of compulsive gamblers – www.gam-anon.org

5. Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the state of CT. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, peer recovery support, medication, and budget counseling for both individuals impacted by problem gambling and affected loved ones

6. Responsible Play CT is a new resource developed in partnership with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, the gambling industry, DMHAS, and the CT Lottery – www.responsibleplayct.org

7. 2-1-1 of Connecticut provides the ability to search “Gambling Counseling/Treatment” and agencies/treatment programs will show up on a map with address/location -- https://www.211ct.org

Teen Gambling

Problem gambling is becoming an increasingly pervasive issue, particularly amongst adolescents. Fueled by the rapid development of online sports betting platforms, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, youth now have much easier access to gambling activities. While traditional, in-person gambling requires individuals to be 21, online betting is available for those as young as 18. Additionally, many platforms implement minimal age safeguards and verifications, allowing users under 18 to engage in gambling with little to no ramifications. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, “children and teens are at higher risk than adults for developing a gambling problem” and “ individuals who start gambling at a young age are also more likely to develop a gambling addiction later in life.” Given these risks, it is critical that our community is adequately educated about online gambling and its impact on our youth. Online gambling takes many forms, including casino games like poker and bingo. That said, the most notable and fastest-growing form of online gambling is currently sports betting. Sports betting is on the rise in the United States, with an American Gaming Association survey reporting that 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, while 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment. Sports betting involves wagering on sports events, ranging from simple bets on a team winning, to more specific bets like on the performance of an individual athlete. This year, the American Gaming Association is estimating that Americans are expected to wager $1.39 billion legally on Super Bowl LIX (American Gaming Association). According to a January 2024 report on the impacts of legalized gambling in Connecticut, prepared for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), an estimated 51,859 people in Connecticut have gambling problems, and an additional 138,960 are considered “at risk” for gambling problems. These numbers align with statistics on gambling prevalence amongst adolescents: in 2017, 18.6% of adolescents reported gambling, a number that increased to 25.4% in 2019, and is expected to increase further in the next few years. Additionally, according to the CT Council on Problem Gambling, teens who gamble are three times more likely to drink alcohol, four times more likely to smoke cigarettes, twice as likely to use illegal drugs, twice as likely to be in a fight, and four times more likely to get in trouble with the police. Because of these striking statistics, it is imperative to know where to turn if you or someone you know is struggling with an online gambling addiction. Fortunately, there are several resources available to provide support. The SAMHSA National Helpline offers 24/7, free, confidential support at www.samhsa.gov. In Connecticut, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) offers a confidential, 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline at (888-789-7777)- more information can be found at https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/programs-and-services/problem-gambling/pgs---home-page. Lastly, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers a whole host of resources, and can be found at https://ccpg.org/get-help/resources/. If gambling is affecting your mental health, reaching out to a trusted individual, or seeking professional counseling, can be an important first step. For more information regarding problem gambling, please visit https://www.milfordprevention.org/problemgambling.