Calls to Problem Gambling Helpline Dip Slightly in ‘13

For Immediate Release January 14, 2014 (Green Bay, WI) – The number of calls to the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (WCPG) Helpline totaled 13,935 in 2013, a drop of just more than 500 from the previous year. While the total number of calls was down last year, the total was very close to the five year average (2009-2013) of 14,184 calls.

WCPG is a statewide organization that provides resources, public awareness and education on problem and pathological gambling disorders while maintaining strict neutrality on the issue of legalized gambling. WCPG operates the 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline as a resource for anyone facing a gambling problem.

“It’s certainly significant that the number of calls to the Helpline has remained relatively steady over the past five years,” said Rose Gruber, WCPG Executive Director Rose Gruber. “But it’s really important to understand that the number of calls really only tells a small part of the story. There are several other numbers in our annual Helpline Report that demonstrate how devastating a gambling addiction can be for individuals and families in Wisconsin.”

Among the other numbers in the Helpline report:  34 callers reported thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts  30 callers reported having to file for bankruptcy due to their gambling problem  The average gambling debt of callers last year was $27,668, while the median debt was $14,000. (Because of confidentiality, the Helpline Report statistics like average debt are based on information that callers provide voluntarily.)

“We’ve found through the years that most problem gamblers are pretty good at hiding their addiction since there are no outward signs that are typically seen with a drug or alcohol or other addictions,” Gruber said. “Calls to the Helpline usually are made only after the problem gambler faces mounting debt, bankruptcy as well as family or relationship issues as a result of gambling losses.”

By the time the call is made to the Helpline, Gruber says the impact of the gambling addiction has typically been felt by many others, including the gambler’s family, friends, co-workers and his or her employer.

Looking forward, Gruber says the pace of calls to the Helpline will likely remain steady. “We do typically see quite a few calls in January and February,” Gruber said. “Holiday shopping bills are coming due, there may be losses from the college football bowl season and the biggest gambling day of the year – the Super Bowl – is just ahead.”

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The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling is funded by a public awareness grant from the State of Wisconsin and additional funding from donors, including Wisconsin Native American Tribes. The Council operates a 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLE-5, distributes informational brochures, organizes an annual statewide conference, makes presentations on problem gambling and conducts training sessions for treatment providers interested in the special requirements for working with compulsive gamblers and their families.

For more information, visit Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WisconsinCouncilonProblemGambling.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLE-5 for confidential help.

Media Contact: Scott Stein Leonard & Finco Public Relations (920) 965-7750 [email protected]