Keeping Glen Cove SAFE: Problem Gambling
Keeping Glen Cove SAFE: Problem Gambling
The SAFE Glen Cove Coalition is concerned about gambling addiction in youth and adults. Gambling Addiction or Problem Gambling is known as the “hidden addiction” because there are no visible signs. Because of the lack of visibility, often those suffering from a gambling addiction can hide it longer than someone with an alcohol or drug problem. Usually, gambling addiction is discovered when there is a loss of accessibility to money and/or negative actions occur.
Gambling is defined as the act of risking something of value (money, food, clothes, electronics, etc.) on a game of chance (bingo, lottery, dice, slot machine, sports, etc.) for the desired result.
There are many types of gambling opportunities in New York State. You must be 18 to gamble, including buying lottery tickets or buying/selling raffle tickets. If a casino sells alcohol, you must be 21 to enter the casino floor. Some of the most popular types of gambling are: Casinos, Lottery/Scratch-off tickets, Sports Betting, Horse Betting, Bingo, Raffles/Office Pool.
In 2020, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) published the New York State Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey. Changes to NYS gambling laws since 2006, such as the legalization of commercial casinos in 2013 and the start of sports betting at commercial casinos in 2019 have added to change the landscape of gambling. The gaming industry is regulated at the state level, and gambling activities in New York take place through or at commercial casinos, horse racing, off track betting, lotteries, video lottery gaming, and interactive fantasy sports activities, among others.
Gambling Prevalence Survey respondents were classified as Non-Gamblers, Recreational Gamblers, and Problem Gamblers based on responses to survey items matched to nine of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, criteria for Problem Gamblers. Those professing to have gambled within the past year but who met none of the criteria were classified as Recreational Gamblers whereas those meeting at least one of the criteria for problem gambling were classified as such. This classification yielded the following:
- Overall, 29.4% of participants responded “Yes” to gambling within the past 12 months.
- Non-Gamblers represented 70.6% of the New York population with Recreational Gamblers and Problem Gamblers representing 25.1% and 4.3%, respectively
- Of gamblers, 85.4% were considered Recreational Gamblers with the remaining 14.6% classified as Problem Gamblers.
- Of those classified as Problem Gamblers, 84.4% met, at most, two of the criteria required to be classified as a Problem Gambler. Gambler Demographics Restricting the sample to Recreational and Problem Gamblers only reveals a greater percentage of men are Problem Gamblers (16.6%) compared with women (12.5%). The youngest age group, 18–24, had the highest percentage of Problem Gamblers (24.8%) compared with their older counterparts.
- In contrast, the age group immediately above the youngest, 25–29, had the lowest percentage of Problem Gamblers at 7.5%.
- Those in the 30–44 age group had the second highest percentage of gamblers classified as Problem Gamblers at 20.7%.
National Resources
National Council on Problem Gambling
National Problem Gambling Resources
National Gambling Addiction Hotlines and Additional Resources
State Resources
NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports: Prevention Tips for Parents, Caregivers and Educators
Talking to youth about the risks and consequences of engaging in underage gambling activities can make a difference in the choices they make. Parents and caregivers, educators and community members can take steps to prevent youth gambling behaviors. Talk to Your Kids about Gambling Brochure.
Tips for Having a Plan for Responsible Play: Most adults can gamble responsibly. Having a plan before you gamble can help keep gambling fun and help you avoid consequences.
Warning signs and help:
To get help for problem gambling, for yourself, or a loved one, please reach out to NYS HOPEline at: 1-877-8-HOPENY, or text 467369, or The NY Council on Problem Gambling at: nyproblemgamblinghelp.org
Local Resources
Long Island Problem Gambling Resource Center/New York Council on Problem Gambling
M-F 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hotline (516) 226-8342 ask for Justina or Diana
Additional Resources for Prevention Literature and Education
Know the Odds: Statistics, links, e-books, and videos surrounding problem gambling issues
Common Sense: Media/Education: Nonprofit supporting youth, families, educators and advocates with all things media/digital
A taxonomy of gambling and casino games via social media and online technologies
