Choices Treatment Center Highlights Sports Betting Risks for Gambling Awareness Month
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and Choices Treatment Center (choicestreatmentcenter.com) in Lincoln is highlighting the increased risk of sports betting, particularly with the NCAA basketball championships on the horizon. During the month, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at (800)-522-4700 are expected to spike significantly. With sports betting now legal in many states, research demonstrates that young males and athletes have an increased risk of developing a gambling problem, so Choices Treatment Center is joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in dedicating the month of March to helping people affected by problem gambling.
Using the tagline #AwarnessPlusAction, the NCPG developed Problem Gambling Awareness Month to raise awareness of the prevention, treatments, and recovery services available to individuals adversely affected by gambling. This grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders to work collaboratively to publicize issues, such as how to identify if someone has a gambling disorder, how to get help, and the fact that treatment works. Participants share the information via a link at ncpgambline.org/pgam. Problem gambling, gambling disorder, and gambling addiction are formal terms used to describe a spectrum of gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits.
Choices Treatment Center is certified with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) and provides a confidential 24/7 helpline at (402) 476-2300. The helpline is always staffed by licensed counselors. At no cost to the client, they provide assessments, consultations, and interventions for problem gamblers and their families, as well as financial counseling and individual treatment. For more information, visit choicestreatmentcenter.com.