FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can a disordered gambler ever gamble normally again?
It doesn't appear possible. The first bet to a problem gambler is like the first drink to someone addicted to alcohol or drugs. Sooner or later he/she falls back into the same old destructive pattern. The attention is once again upon the gambling behaviors.
How can you tell whether you have a problem with gambling?
When someone gambles money that would otherwise pay the rent, buy food, pay the car note, clothe the children, etc., then a problem may exist. If a person who’s gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any area of his or her life i.e., family relationships, employment
problems, financial, social, emotional, then they may need our help.
problems, financial, social, emotional, then they may need our help.
How do I know if I am involved with someone with a gambling problem?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you puzzled because you/they are always short of money?
- Does this person sometimes borrow money to pay ordinary monthly bills even though there has been no known change of income or specific increased expense?
- Has anything of personal or property value disappeared?
- Have you sold anything of personal or property value to pay debts?
- Is this person secretive about money?
- Does this person seem to be more reckless about money than other people?
- Have you discovered secret loans/credit cards?
- Does this person continue to acquire different credit cards?
- Has this person ever requested you to co-sign a loan?
- Has there been a change in the way this person handles money?
- Has this person let health or life insurance policies lapse?
- Do you have to resort to dishonesty to get money you need from this person?
- Do you suspect this person took money from you?
- Is this person seeking new ways to earn extra money, have a second job or work overtime?
- Is this person gambling with greater frequency?
I only go on gambling binges periodically. Do I need treatment?
A disordered gambler may often experiences periodic binges. However, these binges may also have periods of nervousness, irritability, frustration and indecision when not gambling. Treatment assessments can help determine if you have a problem.
Is it okay for someone in recovery to participate in an office “betting pool”?
Where's the attention? On the bet/gambling. We generally encourage people to stay gambling free in their recovery. Gambling is defined as: Any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or "skill" constitutes gambling.
Is there someplace else a person can go to get help for gambling instead of a twelve-step group?
Yes. Louisiana has counselors that are specially trained in helping disordered gambling problems. We will be glad to give you the name and contact information of the counselor nearest to your area.
Isn't problem gambling a financial problem?
No, disordered gambling is a complex mental and emotional health condition. Financial problems are
generally a part of the condition, as can be: marital, employment, social, health and legal problems.
generally a part of the condition, as can be: marital, employment, social, health and legal problems.
What are some characteristics of a disordered gambler?
- Inability and unwillingness to accept reality, often escaping into the dream world of gambling.
- Emotional insecurity. They feel more secure when gambling.
- Immaturity having a desire to have all the good things in life without any of the responsibilities.
- A discrepancy between income and assets.
- Money or assets disappearing, or suddenly appearing.
- Secrecy about money.
- Vagueness or double-talk about assets, income and expenses.
- Unexplained bills, debts, or payments.
- Loans from legal and illegal sources.
- Urgent requests/Last minute asks to family and friends for money.
- Sale of stocks/bonds/insurance policies with no reinvestment.
- Reports that equipment and jewelry are being repaired or have been lost or stolen.
- Mysterious and angry phone calls and messages.
What can we, as a family, do to help?
Educate yourself on gambling addiction. This problem is different than alcohol and drug addiction. Next, set boundaries with your loved one and stick to them. Receive support or counseling from others on these boundaries. Discuss with a professional the option of conducting an intervention, if necessary.
What exactly is GA/Gamblers Anonymous?
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-Step support group that began in 1957, following along the structure of Alcoholics Anonymous. GA is based on the 12-Step modality and consists of people meeting together to discuss their problems with gambling, learning new ways to live without it in their lives, and to become a source of support for each other.
Why can't a problem gambler simply use will power to stop gambling?
If they could, they would. Most people come to recognize their lack of power to solve certain problems including gambling, were not working. Many people have abstained from gambling for long time periods only to be caught off guard and under the right set of circumstances, start gambling again. The defense of will- power alone didn’t seem to work well on its own.
HELPLINE FAQ
Are the people answering the phone counselors?
The Helpline is answered by trained, certified and caring Helpline Specialists. Our Specialists do not provide counseling, but they will refer you to a qualified counselor in your area.
Are there Halfway Houses for Problem Gamblers?
In the United States there are a few, please contact the Louisiana Problems Gamblers Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867) for those referrals.
Can I trust the people I talk to?
Yes. The Helpline services fall under the protections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and CFR Title 42, Part 2, which protects any information having to do with substance abuse. No calls are recorded, and the Helpline Specialists adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, further protecting the identity and information of a caller.
Can you help me get my money back or loan me money?
No, but we can help you if you desire to stop gambling. We will be glad to talk to you and/or your family.
Do you have a listing of the GA meetings in my area of the state?
Yes. It is updated often and verified.
How do I get someone banned from a casino?
First of all, someone cannot get another individual banned from a casino...not even a spouse or family member. Individuals who desire a voluntary exclusion from a casino follow the following procedures:
If calling from the land-based Harrah's in New Orleans, use this guide:
1. Have the customer go to the Customer Safety Podium located next to the Lucky Dog vendor.
2. Have the customer ask for the Customer Safety Manager on duty.
3. Tell the manager that he/she would like to be evicted or "barred from the premises."
4. The safety manager will escort the customer to their investigation area and the customer will then sign a formal eviction from premises notice, after meeting with state police.
HARRAH'S LAND-BASED CASINO IN NEW ORLEANS IS THE ONLY STATE CASINO THAT HAS ITS OWN POLICE UNIT INSIDE THE CASINO.
For other riverboat casinos in Louisiana, use the following procedure:
1. If the individual on a riverboat casino desires to be escorted off the premises of a boat, that is between the individual and that particular casino. The individual must ask the security detail on that casino to escort them off. The state police do not get involved. Once they are removed, they are interviewed or referred to the state police office that handles gaming issues. That phone number is 318-862-9730 and is headed by a Sgt. Cavanaugh. (He prefers we do not give out physical address).
2. A telephone interview will be conducted to screen for pranks, etc. Should the state police decide the individual is sincere in his or her desire to be banned, an interview will be conducted and the narrative will be sent to headquarters in Baton Rouge.
3. At that time, it will be processed to determine if the call meets the criteria for voluntary exclusion. If so, the application will be returned to that area of state police and the individual will be asked to come in to the office and sign an affidavit attesting to his desire to be banned.
4. The individual must understand that this decision is taken seriously. It is not reversible unless they hire an attorney and go to court to have it "undone." This is in keeping with Article 2760, chapter 42 of the Gaming Control Policy per Sgt. Cavanaugh with the Louisiana State Police.
If calling from the land-based Harrah's in New Orleans, use this guide:
1. Have the customer go to the Customer Safety Podium located next to the Lucky Dog vendor.
2. Have the customer ask for the Customer Safety Manager on duty.
3. Tell the manager that he/she would like to be evicted or "barred from the premises."
4. The safety manager will escort the customer to their investigation area and the customer will then sign a formal eviction from premises notice, after meeting with state police.
HARRAH'S LAND-BASED CASINO IN NEW ORLEANS IS THE ONLY STATE CASINO THAT HAS ITS OWN POLICE UNIT INSIDE THE CASINO.
For other riverboat casinos in Louisiana, use the following procedure:
1. If the individual on a riverboat casino desires to be escorted off the premises of a boat, that is between the individual and that particular casino. The individual must ask the security detail on that casino to escort them off. The state police do not get involved. Once they are removed, they are interviewed or referred to the state police office that handles gaming issues. That phone number is 318-862-9730 and is headed by a Sgt. Cavanaugh. (He prefers we do not give out physical address).
2. A telephone interview will be conducted to screen for pranks, etc. Should the state police decide the individual is sincere in his or her desire to be banned, an interview will be conducted and the narrative will be sent to headquarters in Baton Rouge.
3. At that time, it will be processed to determine if the call meets the criteria for voluntary exclusion. If so, the application will be returned to that area of state police and the individual will be asked to come in to the office and sign an affidavit attesting to his desire to be banned.
4. The individual must understand that this decision is taken seriously. It is not reversible unless they hire an attorney and go to court to have it "undone." This is in keeping with Article 2760, chapter 42 of the Gaming Control Policy per Sgt. Cavanaugh with the Louisiana State Police.
How many people call the Helplines?
The call volume varies month to month. The Problem Gamblers Helpline staff answer calls for Louisiana and for many other states each year with over 100,000 calls/chats/texts coming in each year. Since its founding in 2000, the Helpline has answered over 1.8 million calls/chats/texts! Since 2004, we also answer Helplines for suicide prevention and substance abuse.
I am visiting your state and have decided I have a gambling problem. Can you give me the name of a GA meeting in my area of the United States?
Yes, we have GA listings throughout the continental US.
What can I do as a family member to help?
The self-help organization, Gam-Anon, is for the spouse, family or close friends of the compulsive gambler. Gam-Anon's purpose is to teach acceptance and understanding of problem gambling as an illness provide problem-solving suggestions and support as an aid in rebuilding lives.
What do you do?
The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line is a toll-free, confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who may be affected by gambling problems. We provide information to people who want help to stop gambling, family members who are concerned about a loved one, or a person in recovery from gambling who is searching for a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. In addition, we talk to individuals from throughout the state who have a question on any other addiction and direct them to the proper resource.
Who answers when I call, text or chat with the Helpline?
You will speak directly to a trained and certified Helpline Specialist. He/she is well-versed in the dynamics of gambling problems, addictive disorders, and suicide. The Specialist will provide you with information for services in your area or near you.
Why is the Helpline needed?
The short answer is that most people are unaware that help is available for residents suffering from out-of-control gambling. The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline was established to inform residents about available helping services, including treatment services, for problem gambling. In Louisiana there is no cost to the resident for counseling services, including outpatient and residential treatment. Many people, including those in the medical and helping professions, are not aware of the resources available statewide to intervene with problem and compulsive gambling. A resource directory of services and qualified practitioners is maintained by the Helpline.
