How to Help Others

Know the risks!

Or better yet, know your risk factors. These are the things that increase the chances of someone developing health and behavior problems. Don't know what risk factors are associated with gambling? Well here's a list:

• Stress
• Being upset, angry, or having other emotional difficulties
• Having false expectations about winning (thinking everything is 50/50 chance, "it's about time this machine paid out," "I'm due for a winning streak")
• Peer or social pressure to gamble
• Risky gambling behavior
• Attention deficits
• Impulsive behavior
• Having an illusion of a controlled outcome
• History of addiction
• A family history of gambling problems

Some things that contribute to a higher risk are:

• Having a father or mother who is a problem gambler or has struggled with any addiction
• Believing that skill is involved
• A big win early on
• Trying to win back money lost by gambling more (chasing losses)
• Starting to gamble at an early age (8.5 years old for pathological gamblers; 11.5 years old for non-compulsive)
• A large first bet

Protect yourself!

The complete opposite of risk factors, protective factors decrease the chances of developing a problem with gambling. Want to know how to protect yourself? Here's a list of protective factors.

• Having a relationship with a caring adult role model
• Being able to contribute, to make a difference, and be seen as a resource
• Having a positive outlook and healthy expectations
• Having good self-esteem and control
• Keeping a sense of humor
• Possessing problem solving and critical thinking skills

How do you minimize your risk of developing a problem
when you are gambling?

• Never gamble illegally
• When gambling, always set a limit for money you can lose, and stop when you reach that amount, or only take that amount with you and leave your credit/debit cards at home
• Never borrow money to gamble
• Know your personal risk factors
• Know where to get help
• Be willing to help others

The Helpline

The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling provides a Helpline that offers information and support, not just for people worried about their own gambling, but also for the loved ones of gamblers. The "English-language" Helpline was started in 1987 to provide confidential help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Helpline does not provide mental health counseling, but the Council staff responds empathetically, providing an attentive listener who will offer information and referrals to self-help meetings, treatment centers, counseling services, and other community resources.

The Helpline is available in five languages!

English: 1-800-426-1234, available 24/7

Chinese: 1-857-383-3557*

Vietnamese: 1-857-383-3567*

Khmer: 1-857-383-3577*

Spanish: 1-857-383-3558*

* The English Helpline is operated 24/7. People who call the other language Helplines will be asked to leave
a message and will receive a call back.