Be aware of gambling warning signs

Letter: Be aware of gambling addiction warning signs

Be aware of gambling warning signs

Mar 4, 2013

Audrey Olson-Adams of De Pere reacts to a winning spin
during a demonstration of a new video slot machine at the
Oneida Casino Tuesday, July 17, 2007.
Photo by Jim Matthews/Press-Gazette

EDITOR: During the past two decades, gaming  has brought a new form of fun to Wisconsin residents. At the same time, it has helped lift a number of Native American tribes out of poverty, created jobs and contributed to improving communities.

However, a small percentage of people can experience a gambling problem and risk addiction. This week is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, which makes it an ideal time to acknowledge problem gambling and the devastation it can bring individuals, their families and other loved ones, and to learn what to do if you are concerned about a friend or family member.

According to the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling, 333,000 Wisconsin residents are problem gamblers. No matter if it’s in front of a slot machine, playing poker in your basement or buying lottery tickets, problem gambling can affect anyone in any place at any time. Signs to look for include:

• Frequent unexplained absences
• Eagerness to participate in gambling opportunities
• Frequently borrowing money
• Complaints about mounting debt
• Frequently talks about gambling

At Potawatomi Bingo Casino we make sure we’re doing right by our guests, and that means responsible gaming is our No. 1 social priority. We are educating guests and employees on the problem as well as guiding them to the resources where they can get help. Our strong partnership with the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling has strengthened both organizations’ efforts.

For more information about problem gambling, visit the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling at www.wi-problemgamblers.org or call the organization’s helpline at 800-426-2535.

Mike Goodrich,
general manager, Potawatomi Bingo Casino,
Milwaukee

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20130306/WDH06/303060025/Letter-aware-gambling-addiction-warning-signs