Gambling information for and about:
     Senior Citizens, Women, Men, Teens & Children.

Gambling Information for
   Senior Citizens

Senior citizens are a major-target for marketers of gambling, and account for a substantial portion of money spent on gambling in Michigan. For some, gambling can become an addiction that leads to serious family and financial problems.

Seniors who are going through major life transitions such as retirement, loss of a loved one, moving, or health problems may be particularly vulnerable.

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Gambling Information for
   Women

While gambling has increased among nearly all groups of people in recent years, it is increasing most rapidly among women. For most women, gambling doesn't cause problems. However, for some, it can become an addiction that leads to serious family and financial problems.

Women can be especially vulnerable because they often differ from men who gamble in several ways, for instance:

• Women tend to gamble to escape unpleasant situations in their lives, while men more often gamble for the excitement of the games and the hope of a big win.
• Low-income mothers sometimes see gambling as a quick way to make some extra money for the family.
• Women tend to feel more embarrassment about their gambling problems and often receive less sympathy from their families than men do.
• The progression of a gambling problem is usually shorter for women than for men.

Gambling Information for
   Men

Nearly 60 percent of Michigan men interviewed have gambled in a casino. Office pools, card games, sports events and horse racing also attract large proportions of men.

Men are often introduced to gambling by a family member. What may be intended as an innocent invitation for teen boys to join in a recreational game with adults may actually become a mentoring experience in gambling. Men's progression into compulsive gambling may be slower than for women, but it often starts for men at a much younger age.

At some point, men who have a gambling problem begin to take bigger risks with more money and feel compelled to bet at every opportunity. For them, gambling can become an addiction that leads to serious family and financial problems.

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Gambling Information for
   Teens & Children

The availability of unrestricted Internet poses a special threat to children who become tempted by gambling sites. It's all too easy for children to get started, there's no way for sites to track players' ages, and the isolated nature of net gambling means that it often goes unnoticed until a serious problem develops. If you suspect that your child may have a problem with Internet gambling, monitor his or her Internet activity and watch your credit card bills closely for charges from gambling sites. Click for more information about Internet gambling.

Studies have shown that people who start gambling as children run a much higher risk of becoming compulsive gamblers as adults. For compulsive gamblers, gambling becomes an addiction much like drugs or alcohol, with many of the same symptoms and effects. Left untreated compulsive gambling can lead to family problems, financial trouble, and sometimes even suicide.

The best way to prevent children from gambling is for parents to talk to their children. Make sure they know that gambling can have serious consequences and shouldn't be taken lightly. Also, parents need to set a good example, children who are exposed to gambling may start to see it as the adult thing to do, and be more eager to try it themselves.

The following signs can help you determine if your child has a problem with any form of gambling:

If you choose to gamble, follow these guidelines to help keep gambling from becoming a problem.

1. Always gamble with others and not alone. Having friends, family, or colleagues with you helps keep gambling from getting out of hand.
2. Set limits on how much time and money you spend on gambling.

Almost everyone who gambles loses money in the long run. If you bet more than you can afford to lose, you've got a problem.

If you think you may have a gambling problem, the Michigan Problem Gambling Help-line can help. It's strictly confidential, counselors can give you the help and support you need to break free of a gambling addiction.
Call 1-800-270-7117 [24-hours a day].

Links to Problem Gambling related websites. These sites include self-help groups, gambling brochures, and the Michigan Gaming Board Disassociated Persons List.