Problem Gambling Prevention

Problem gambling is often known as "the hidden addiction" because it can be easy to hide and hard for others to recognize the warning signs.

Like substance use, gambling is an activity that carries risk. Some people gamble for entertainment and sometimes those activities turn into an addiction. If you are concerned about your own or a loved one's gambling, free and confidential help is available. Please see below for more information and resources.

Definitions

Gambling: The wagering of money or something of material value on an event with uncertain
outcome with the hope of winning something of greater value.

Responsible Gambling: Describes the ways games of chance are both offered and participated in a socially responsible way that lowers the risk of gambling harm.

Problem Gambling: The continuation of gambling activities despite personal, social, or financial consequences.

Prevention Services

Problem Gambling Presentations: We offer education and presentations for groups of any size. During this presentation we will define problem gambling, review the warning sings and responsible gambling guidelines, treatment options, and more. Materials and resources are also distributed to participants and the host site. Due to COVID-19 virtual presentations are being offered at this time (last updated August 2020).

Problem Gambling Policy Assistance: Interested in creating or updating you workplace or group's gambling policy? We can provide examples and help you create a policy that meets your needs.

Problem Gambling Materials: Any of the materials listed below can be downloaded and shared with your clients, patrons, community, etc. Help us spread knowledge about problem gambling and the available resources to treat gambling addiction. For printed materials please contact us using the information below.

Talking with youth about problem gambling or checking in with a loved one: Check out the resources in the "supporting documents" section at the bottom of this page.

Community Readiness Assessment (CRA): In late 2018 and early 2019, LCPH partnered with Partnership Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (PAADA), a local community coalition, to complete two problem gambling Community Readiness Assessments. After interviews for each CRA were completed, LCPH and PAADA received support and additional training from Oregon Health Authority to help analyze the results. LCPH then created an action plan for expanding Lincoln County's prevention efforts and knowledge of problem gambling. The full report can be found in the following link Problem Gambling Community Readiness Assessment (PDF). This process will be repeated in 2023 so that prevention strategies and current community knowledge can be evaluated. This process helps LCPH plan what activities and services will best meet local needs.

Preventing Problem Gambling During the Holidays:
Video: Problem Gambling Holiday Prevention
Media Release: Prevent Problem Gambling this Holiday Season (PDF)

30 Second Problem Gambling PSA
Video: Problem Gambling PSA

¿Sabías que el juego es una actividad que lleva riesgos?
Video

Problem Gambling Warning Signs
Video: Youtube

Warning Signs

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, free and confidential help is available. Treatment in Oregon is free to someone with a gambling disorder or anyone affected by someone's gambling.

• Spending more and more time gambling.
• Gambling in more places than before.
• Spending more money on gambling or increasing bet sizes.
• Creating special occasions for gambling or canceling other plans.
• Increasing intensity of interest in gambling (constant high tension/excitement).
• Gambling to escape problems or when there is a crisis.
• "Chasing" losses with more gambling. Trying to win back the money that was lost.
• Boasting about winning and evasive about losing.
• Exaggerated display of money and possessions.
• Decreasing desire to engage in other activities and interests.
• Frequent absences from school, work or home.
• Withdrawal from family and friends.
• Using funds for other expenses on gambling activities. Such as using rent money to gamble.

Problem Gambling Warning Signs Video: Click Here

Responsible Gambling Guidelines

If you choose to gamble, do so for entertainment purposes. If your gambling is no longer an enjoyable activity, then ask yourself why you are still "playing"?

Treat the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment. Treat any winnings as a bonus.

Set a dollar limit and stick to it. Decide before you go not only what you can "afford" to lose, but how much you want to spend. Do not change your mind after losing.

Set a time limit and stick to it. Decide how much of your time you want to allow for gambling. Leave when you reach the time limit whether you are winning or losing.

Expect to lose. The odds are that you will lose. Accept loss as part of the game.

Make it a private rule not to gamble on credit. Do not borrow money to gamble.

Create balance in your life. Gambling should not interfere with or substitute for friend, family, work or other worthwhile activities.

Avoid "chasing" lost money. The more you try to recoup your losses the larger your losses will be.

Don't gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain. Gambling for reasons other than entertainment can lead to problems. Gambling should not be used as a coping mechanism.

Drinking alcohol while gambling carries additional risk. Alcohol and gambling are not a good combination. If your night out includes drinking it's best not to gamble or visa versa.

Become educated about the warning signs of problem gambling. The more you know, the better choices you can make.

Treatment Services

In Oregon, Problem Gambling treatment and support is free to for anyone with a gambling disorder or anyone that is affected by someone's gambling.

Lincoln County Problem Gambling Treatment
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: 541-265-6611 Ext 3324

Oregon Problem Gambling Resource 
Phone available 24/7. Website chat and text available Monday through Friday 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: 877-695-4648
Text: 503-713-6000
Chat on website: click here

Contact Us

For Problem Gambling Prevention support such as materials or presentations, please contact Lincoln County's Problem Gambling Prevention Coodinator, Asia Richardson, at 541-265-0545 or Email Asia Richardson

For treatment please contact the Lincoln County Problem Gambling Treatment program at 541-265-6611 Ext 3324