Wednesday, December 20, 2006

"Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major
area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term
"Problem Gambling" includes... "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a
progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with
gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or
irritability when attempting to stop, 'chasing' losses, and loss of control
manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting,
serious, negative consequences." For 34 years, the NCPG has set out to
inform, educate, and provide a resource for gamblers everywhere. On
Thursday, December 21, 2006, NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte joined the
PocketFives.com Podcast to discuss this organization.
"We try to provide a safety net for those who have a problem," said Whyte.
"We want to make sure that, if people do gamble, they do so responsibly. If
they don't, we're there to pick up the pieces." The NCPG focuses on
educating the gambling community and others on identifying problem gambling:
"People with gambling problems are preoccupied with gambling and lose
control. They're basically talking and thinking about gambling 24 hours per
day. Many other things in their life are not important anymore." After
identifying problem gaming, the next step is assisting in its treatment:
"First, it's offering your friendship and letting the person know it's not a
judgment you're making. Second, if you do offer some suggestions, offer them
a resource like a phone number or a website." The NCPG offers a 24-hour,
confidential hotline to call in, 800-522-4700. Counselors are standing by
and everything is kept in the strictest of confidentiality. "We've made, as
a society, enormous progress to encourage people with an addiction to seek
help. We haven't done as well with gambling problems. I think there's still
a significant amount of shame and stigma, which prevents a lot of people
from getting the help they need from talking to a friend." The game of poker
offers a unique paradox between a potential problem gambler chasing the
"skill" they possess in poker as opposed to the "luck" offered to them by
other casino games of chance: "With poker and with other skill-based games,
one of the problems is that, when people believe there's a difference
between luck and skill, many people in general and especially those with
gambling problems believe that their skill or luck is so much better than
anyone else's. The more skill a game is perceived to have, the more trouble
people can get into because people believe they are going to be able to beat
the system."

The NCPG website, www.ncpgambling.org, provides an extensive resource for
those interested in learning about responsible gambling. You'll find an
anonymous online quiz that will take your answers and make suggestions as to
your gambling behavior. There is also a directory of gambling counselors,
frequently asked questions, and, overall, tools to assist and educate people
in gambling responsibly.