OTB Cares
OTB Cares
Nassau Downs Off-Track Betting Corporation has instituted a program called OTB CARES to help those who may have a gambling problem. This service will provide information about the problem of compulsive gambling, as well as information to assist problem gamblers and their families with counseling and referral resources.
A Message on Compulsive Gambling
Gambling has rapidly become an acceptable and regular part of our society. For most people gambling is a recreational activity, something that is fun and entertaining. But for others gambling causes problems and for some, it becomes uncontrollable and is no longer a choice. Compulsive gambling is not a bad habit but rather a life threatening disorder. Compulsive gambling is destructive to families, friendships, and careers. Bills go unpaid, basic needs like money for food and rent are neglected. Some gamblers become suicidal. Most will need help to change their gambling behavior.
Are You A Compulsive Gambler?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer "YES" to seven or more of these questions:
1. Do you lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Is gambling making your home life unhappy?
3. Is gambling affecting your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Do you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold any real or personal property to finance gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use gambling money for normal expenditures?
13. Does gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Does gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Do you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?
Developed by Gamblers Anonymous
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
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.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; they are self-supporting through their own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses or opposes any cause. Their primary purpose is to help compulsive gamblers stop gambling.
Contact Information:
| HOTLINE | 855-2CALLGA (855-222-5542) |
| International Service | P.O. Box 17173 Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 386 - 8789 Fax: (213) 386 - 0030 |
Please check www.newyorkga.org for scheduled meetings in your area It is advisable to contact the group to confirm the meeting date and time. A complete list of Gamblers Anonymous meetings in New York State is also available on their web site at www.newyorkga.org.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
The New York Council on Problem Gambling is under contract with the NYS Office of Mental Health to provide resource referral and service agency information to consumers. The Helpline provides 24-hour telephone coverage, supportive intervention and resource and referral information to persons seeking assistance regarding problem gambling. The Helpline staff is trained to handle crisis and non-crisis calls addressing concerns such as family, financial or work related problems, alcohol or substance abuse, medical concerns and/or suicidal thoughts. For more information call (518)867-4087 or visit www.nyproblemgambling.org..
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
| HOTLINE | 855-2CALLGA |
| International Service | (213) 386 - 8789 |
GAM-ANON
Help for Family & Friends of a Problem Gambler (718) 352-1671 or www.Gam-anon.org
New York Council on Problem Gambling Helpline (518) 867-4087 or www.nyproblemgambling.org.
