What is Responsible Gaming?
For most people, gambling is a source of entertainment – a fun activity that can be enjoyed without any adverse effects. For them, gambling is a recreational activity, undertaken with an understanding of the risks involved, and with predetermined limits in mind.
But for others, gambling is no longer about fun; it’s about survival. They’ve come to believe their future rides on every bet. It’s estimated that for approximately five percent of the general population, gambling is a compulsive addiction, similar to an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Fortunately, compulsive gambling can be treated. You can talk to trained professionals, skilled in combating gambling addictions. Or you can talk to others who have conquered their own addictions and can help you get back to a normal life.
What are the Signs of a Problem Gambler?
Many compulsive gamblers work hard to hide their addiction. As their gambling addiction increases, it becomes difficult to resume regular gambling.
Compulsive gamblers may:
- Use gambling as a coping strategy, which is often identified as an escape from underlying pain.
- Rely on the excitement of gambling to make themselves feel good about themselves
- Wager higher amounts in the belief they can win back their losses.
- Believe they are just one BIG win away from getting out of debt.
- Hide their gambling from family and friends, often lying about money.
- See their financial problem evolve into an emotional problem.
- Become emotionally, mentally and physically distressed.
How is Compulsive Gambling Treated?
For confidential assistance, please call the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling (NMCPG): 1-800-572-1142. The NMCPG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and awareness to all citizens of New Mexico. The NMCPG does crisis intervention and referrals, including education and prevention. The NMCPG does not receive any proceeds from their referrals.
You may also call the Responsible Gaming Program at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino at (505) 464-7106.
These two organizations will provide you information and referral to certified counselors who can provide treatment for compulsive gambling problems.
Responsible Gaming Program is funded by the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
