Learn The Facts: Gambling
Gambling
More than 1,000,000 people in Illinois have or are at risk of problem gambling.
Gambling is defined as risking something of value on an activity or event in which the outcome is uncertain in hopes of winning something of material value. It is the playing of a game of chance for stakes. Common forms of gambling include horse and dog racetrack betting, off-track betting, lotteries, casino games, bingo, bookmaking (betting on sports or special events), Internet gambling, and stock market trading.
For something to be a gamble, it needs to have the 3 R’s: Risk, Reward, and Random.
- Something must be at risk, or something we lose if the game doesn’t go our way. This can include money and belongings.
- There must be a reward, or something to gain if we win. This can also include money and belongings.
- There must be some degree of randomness. Everything involves random chance. The more randomness involved, the more likely it is to be a gamble instead of a game.
For most people, gambling is a recreational activity. However, for an estimated three to five percent of the population, gambling becomes an easily “hidden” problem. The inability to stop gambling or to control compulsive behaviors can be devastating for problematic and compulsive gamblers and their families.
If you or someone in your life may be a problem gambler, Chestnut Health Systems™ can help. We offer assessment in a safe environment for gambling disorder, counseling, help in developing a support system, and support in addressing legal and financial issues.
For more information, please call us at 618.877.4420.
Problem Gambling
More than 80 percent of adults gamble at least once a year, and for most, it is a harmless form of entertainment. For some though, gambling isn’t harmless. It is a serious problem.
Problem gambling is often defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others. Problem gambling is an urge to gamble despite negative consequences or a desire to stop. Gambling disorders, like drug and alcohol disorders, affect people from every race, economic background and gender. A problem gambler will wager on whatever game is available, sometimes even creating bets on ordinary, everyday activities.
A simple two-question self-test can help indicate whether someone has a gambling problem.
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
- Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
If the answer is “yes” to either question, it is likely there may be a gambling problem.
Is your gambling causing problems for you or others around you?
The Division on Addiction' BBGS e-Screener and Intervention System