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Before You Gamble, Know The Risks

For some, gambling can impact their relationships and family life. It’s important to know the risks of gambling and the warning signs that can indicate if you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling.

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What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling includes behavior patterns of gambling that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or employment pursuits.

Why this matters

Among people who experience problem gambling:

  • 67.2% experience mental health problems
  • 51.6% experience financial problems
  • 30% experience relationship problems
  • 19.9% have work/school problems
  • 16.7% engage in illegal behavior
  • 10% experience physical health problems
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Responsible Gambling

The best way to avoid the risks of gaming and gambling is to not play at all. But if you’re going to play, there are ways to play it safe.

  • Set limits of time and money you’re willing to spend, and stick to it
  • Take breaks
  • Never borrow money to gamble
  • Educate yourself on how the games work
  • View gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money

Gambling can impact more than just your wallet.

Before you gamble, it’s important to know the risks. Lots of people struggle with problem gambling, and it can impact their relationships and family life.

  • 40K The number of Black residents in Connecticut who are at-risk for problem gambling
  • 47k The number of Hispanic residents in Connecticut who are at-risk for problem gambling
  • 12k The number of Asian residents in Connecticut who are at-risk for problem gambling
  • 20% The percentage of LGBTQ+ people that meet the criteria for a gambling disorder

Some populations are more at risk for problem gambling than others. To learn more, check out the Impacts of Legalized Gambling in Connecticut Report

Warning Signs:

There are warning signs that indicate that you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling. Take note of any that apply, and find resources to help here.

  • Becoming restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop or cut down on gambling
  • Keeping friends or family from knowing how much you gambled
  • Having such financial trouble related to gambling losses that you had to get help from family or friends, or borrowing or selling anything to get money to gamble
  • Needing to gamble with increased amounts of money than before to get the same feeling of excitement
  • Trying and not succeeding to stop, cut down, or control your gambling
  • Gambling to escape from personal problems, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings such as guilt, anxiety, helplessness, or depression
  • Having serious or repeated problems at work, school, or in relationships with family or friends, due to gambling

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Learn more about the risks and warning signs of problem gambling at ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Learn more about the risks and warning signs of problem gambling at ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Learn the warning signs of problem gambling and how to get help for yourself or a loved one at ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Learn the warning signs of problem gambling and how to get help for yourself or a loved one at ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Aprende más sobre los riesgos de los juegos de apuestas y sobre las señales de advertencia en ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Aprende más sobre los riesgos de los juegos de apuestas y sobre las señales de advertencia en ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Aprende sobre las señales de advertencia de los problemas con los juegos de apuestas y cómo obtener ayuda para ti o tus seres queridos en ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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Aprende sobre las señales de advertencia de los problemas con los juegos de apuestas y cómo obtener ayuda para ti o tus seres queridos en ResponsiblePlayCT.org/Risks

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