March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the US. Every state has resources available to help those in need, including North Carolina.
These tools become even more important as states expand their gambling industries. With North Carolina online sports betting potentially becoming legal this year, now is a good time to brush up on the basics.
Common signs of problem gambling
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 1% of adults in the US suffer from severe compulsive gambling.
However, that number could be even higher in reality.
What qualifies as severe problem gambling can vary depending on who you ask. There are also plenty of US adults experiencing moderate or other lower-level problems who don’t qualify as severe.
North Carolina residents have access to a handful of different types of gambling. Casino games, retail sports betting, lottery tickets and horse race betting are all available.
Keeping responsible gaming practices in mind can help keep you safe while enjoying these options. After all, gambling is a form of entertainment. It’s supposed to be fun.
Here’s a quick look at a few of the potential signs of problem gambling behavior. If you or someone you know is experiencing these, it might be time to reevaluate your relationship with gambling.
- Compulsive wagering: Feeling a routine need to gamble
- Spending shame: Regretting the amount of money you’re betting
- Overspending: Wagering more money than you can afford to lose
- Wrong priorities: Gambling begins to take priority in your life over other important activities
Of course, this isn’t the complete list of potential warning signs, but it’s a good starting point when it comes to knowing what to keep an eye out for.
North Carolina problem gambling treatment options
Thankfully, problem gambling is a treatable condition. North Carolina has plenty of resources available for people in need.
If you’ve been experiencing some signs of problem gambling, don’t worry. You aren’t alone, and there are plenty of easy-to-access treatment options available.
More Than A Game is North Carolina’s initiative to stop problem gambling.
The website features a free self-assessment, which can be a major step toward figuring out whether some of your habits are problematic. It’s a great place to start on the road to seeking treatment.
From there, you can use the website to find out which type of treatment provider is best for your specific needs.
More Than A Game features plenty of health care provider resources, but you can also chat with the website’s support team if you need extra guidance. That team is available through an online chat portal, by email or by calling 1-811-718-5543.
Responsible gambling practices can help prevent problem gambling, and treatment options are available to help those in need. Keep these resources in mind while you gamble in North Carolina. They’ll become even more important in the future as the state continues to expand its industry.
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