LINCOLN, NEBRASKA — As the college football regular season has concluded, many college football teams will continue their season in postseason bowls or the national championship playoffs. These games will take place throughout the holiday season and into the new year, and are extremely popular for placing sports bets. Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling’s Executive Director urges sports bettors to practice responsible gambling behavior, and wants all Nebraskans to know that free and confidential problem gambling treatment is available in the state.
“As the holiday season gets into full swing, so do the opportunities to place a variety of sports bets. It is of high importance to ensure all Nebraskans are aware of the consequences of problem gambling, resources for problem gambling treatment, and education on how to gamble responsibly,” states Mike Sciandra, NeCPG Executive Director. “It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of all of these games, especially during the holiday season, when financial and social pressures mount for many individuals.
Just as the coaches and players have a game plan on the field or court, it is necessary to have a game plan on time, energy, and money when gambling. If setting or maintaining gambling limits is a concern for you or a loved one, Nebraska is fortunate to offer free and confidential treatment resources through the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.”
Some tips to consider to ensure safe gambling behavior include:
- Decide the amount of time, frequency, and money to spend before gambling and stick to it.
- Only use disposable income to gamble.
- Do not borrow from others, including significant others, family and friends.
- Do not use credit cards or loans for gambling.
- Do not pawn or sell anything in order to gamble.
- Know the odds of your game of choice.
- Develop accountability with your gambling.
- Tell someone about your plan to go gamble.
- Tell them when you will return.
- Tell them how much money you plan to spend.
- Think of gambling as entertainment. Expect to lose, and do not view gambling as a way to earn money.
- Do not gamble when you are in a vulnerable emotional state.
- Do not gamble while intoxicated.
If you or a loved one is struggling with their gambling behavior, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or the Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-833-BET-OVER (1-833-238-6837). Both phone numbers are free, confidential, and answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained professionals.
For more information about Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, please visit their website at www.necpg.org.
About NeCPG:
Founded in 1992 as the Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling, the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling (NeCPG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the sole Nebraska affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The mission of NeCPG is to increase public awareness of problem gambling, to encourage availability of treatment services for problem gamblers and their families, and to provide resources for education and prevention.
