Fantasy Sports and Gambling: Council on Compulsive of NJ Inc.

Fantasy Sports and Gambling: Support, Treatment & Hope

800-GAMBLER

Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ

Fantasy Sports:

Quick Facts:

*Over 56 million participants in North America in 2015.

*70% are males with a College Degree or more

*Average age 18-39

*Number of participants have doubled over the past 7 years.

*Daily Fantasy Sites (DFS) are the emerging trend.

*NOT considered gambling according to 2006 Federal ruling but…

*47% play for money.

*Often considered the “Gateway” drug to Sports Gambling.

*Fantasy sites are designed to replicate the look and feel of sports betting websites.

Sports Gambling Quick Facts:

*Over 118 million Americans gambled on sports (ESPN 2008).

*67% of all college students bet on sports (NCPG-North America)

*44% of 12th grade males reported wagering on sports at least once (NCPS-North America)

*Sports betting is the popular form of gambling among youth 14-22 years of age (NCPG-North America)

Risk Factors:

*Male, Athlete, age 18-24

*Substance use/abuse

*Family history of addiction

*Belief in own skill/luck

*Misperception of adds

*Easy access to money

*Early start…Early win

Warning Signs:

*Preoccupation

*Borrowing Money

*Selling personal items

*Irritability, Restlessness and Withdrawal

*Need for action and excitement

*Defensive attitude

*Competitive personality

*Alienation from family and friends

*Inability to cut back or stop gambling

*Lying to friends and family about gambling

*Risk-taking behaviors

*Thinking about or committing an illegal act to finance your gambling

*Suicidal thoughts

Contact us:

Council on Compulsive Gambling NJ

3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 7

Hamilton, NJ  08619

800-GAMBLER

Text ‘800GAMBLER’ to 53342

Support, Treatment & Hope

Mission Statement:

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Inc. (Council) is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 organization composed of concerned individuals from  diverse backgrounds. The group’s primary purpose is to represent the best interest of compulsive gamblers and their families, recognizing that compulsive gambling is a treatable illness.

The Council focuses on educating the general public, training professionals throughout the state, referring compulsive gamblers and their families to treatment and advocating for increased treatment services for compulsive gamblers and their families.

How to find help for a problem gambler:

Call for help 24 hours per day, 7 days per week-800-GAMBLER and speak with a gambling helpline staff member (All call are confidential).

Text ‘800GAMBLER’ to 53342.

Visit http://www.800gambler.org for information resources or live chat

Attend a Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or Gam-Anon meeting in your area; meeting locations, times and dates can be found by calling 800-GAMBLER or by visiting our website at http://www.800gambler.org.

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information.