A quick roll of the dice, the purchase of lottery tickets, playing bingo for money, or a wager at the blackjack table provides a welcome temporary distraction for some. However, it becomes a problem when a person can’t stop playing or thinking about betting.
The lure of the win pulls some into a cycle of addiction where too much time and money is spent on gambling, and the individual loses more money than they can afford-possibly to mask everyday problems. These individuals may have lied to family members about gambling loses, causing problems in relationships or in personal health.
According to a 2012 gambling survey conducted by WhitworthBallou LLC a good number of Kansans participate in gambling activities.
Forty-seven percent of adult Kansans played the lottery in the previous year and 36 percent went to a casino. Twenty percent participated in games of skill such as bingo, or bet on sports, and 13 percent gambled on cards.
Nine percent of Kansans are at moderate risk of developing a problem with gambling. At high risk is a little less than one percent. However, the numbers rise when family and friends are included, negatively affecting 15 percent of Kansans.
According to the survey, the most frequent reason problem gamblers don’t seek help is shame.
That is why the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services offers help for those who have developed a problem, funded through revenues from the state-owned casinos.
These services are available at no out-of-pocket cost, said Angela de Rocha, communications director of the office of the secretary for Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities, in an email. Treatment is provided by Kansas Certified Gambling Counselors located throughout the state.
“Individuals who exhibit warning signs are encouraged to seek help from qualified professionals who can further assess them and provide help,” said de Rocha.
“If a family member suspects that their loved one has a gambling problem, they can encourage him or her to call the problem gambling helpline, (800-522-4700), or visit the ksgamblinghelp.com website,” de Rocha said. “The website also has information about gamblersanonymous.org and gam-anon, a list of Kansas self-help group meetings and information for concerned relatives and friends of the problem gambler. It’s important to remember that if the problem gambler cannot be convinced to reach out for help, individual or family counseling is also available at no-out of pocket cost to those concerned.”
There are some similarities between gambling and other types of addiction, but some distinct differences as well, said “Gambling problems and substance abuse both affect the family as well as the addict. Many problem gamblers do have co-occurring issues, that is, other addictions in conjunction with their gambling issues.”
There are also self-help groups for substance abusers as well as problem gamblers, such as Alcoholics Anonymous/Gamblers Anonymous or Al-Anon/Gam-Anon for family members of alcoholics or problem gamblers.
As far as differences between the gambling and other addictions, there is a level of shame and guilt that accompanies problem gambling that does not seem as strong with substance abuse, said de Rocha. “Some individuals believe that having a gambling problem is more of a moral weakness, but problem gambling is considered to be an actual behavioral addiction.”
“There are elevated rates of suicide among pathological gamblers and people with a severe gambling addiction,” said de Rocha. “Either way, individuals with either substance or gambling addiction can combat their addiction with treatment, support and other resources. Recovery is possible.”

Signs of problem gambling are:
•Withdrawal from family and friends.
•Missing personal or household items.
•Hiding gambling losses from family members.
•Secrecy or deception when asked about gambling or finances.
•Late notices or telephone calls from creditors.
•Talks only about wins, not losses.
•Liquidation of assets.
•Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling.
•Intense interest in gambling-related matters.