News Update from the

Region 5 Gambling Awareness Team

August 2024

Gambling is defined as risking something of value on the outcome of an event when the probability of winning is less than certain.

Problem Gambling or Gambling Disorder is characterized by behavior that leads to adverse consequences for the individual, families,

and society.

ICYMI: Legal Gambling & Connecticut

Impacts of Legalized Gambling in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services contracted with Gemini Research, Inc. to conduct a study on the impacts of legal gambling expansion in the State of Connecticut. A summary of the study’s main findings and key points can be found below.

The Hope

“Larger increases [In Problem Gambling rates] might have been anticipated considering the recent 2021 legalization of sports betting and online gambling. However, participation levels for these new types of gambling are comparatively low and land-based casino gambling has decreased by 50% since 2008.”

The primary benefit of legal gambling expansion has been increased overall economic activity and employment. They estimate that the economic activity generated by the operation of legalized gambling supports approximately 22,832 jobs in Connecticut.
It has important recreational value. 69.2% of the population has engaged in it within the past 12 months.
It has decreased illegal gambling.
Connecticut's rate of problem gambling [1.8%] is mid-range compared to other states, and low compared to earlier time periods in the state (3.2% in 1991 and 2.9% in 1996).

The Concern

"Out of all of those who gamble in the State of Connecticut, 4.9% are At-Risk Gamblers, and 1.8% are Problem Gamblers (equivalent to roughly 50,000 adults and 150,000 people totally impacted when including spouses and children)."

Compared to those who gamble recreationally, people with gambling problems are more likely to gamble to ‘escape or relieve stress,’ ‘to compete or for the challenge,’ because it ‘makes me feel good about myself,’ and to ‘win money.’
The most commonly reported harms associated with problem gambling are: mental health (67.2%), financial (51.6%), relationship (30.0%), and work/school (19.9%) problems, along with engaging in illegal behavior (16.7%), and physical health issues (10.0%).
The majority of people with gambling problems in Connecticut are: male, ages 18 – 34, Whites, and non-immigrants.
Elevated rates of gambling-related harm are seen in: males; people under 65; Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and ‘Other’ Race/Ethnicities; and people with lower educational attainment.

The Greatest Concern

“The primary negative impact is that 1.8%* of the adult population are currently classified as problem gamblers, with mental health problems, financial problems (including bankruptcy), and relationship problems (including domestic violence) being the most common manifestations.”

The Problem Gambling rate in CT before legalization of Sports Betting and Online Casino Gambling in 2021 was 1.4%, leading to a .4% increase.*

75% of all reported gambling expenditure was accounted for by 5.1% of Connecticut gamblers (3.5% of CT adults).
The proportion of Connecticut gambling revenue from the 1.8% of people with gambling problems ranges from 12.4% for lottery products to 51.0% for sports betting, and is 21.5% for all legalized gambling.

DIG DEEPER: Over half of CT problem gamblers report mental, financial problems

Thousands of Connecticut residents were surveyed about their gambling habits for a report released earlier this week, and a key takeaway was that half of all sport bets in the state were placed by those who struggle with problem gambling.

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Prevention

Lean more about the CT Problem Gambling Helpline in this quick video!

Before you gamble, read the checklist.

Problem gambling? Self-Exclusion is available in Connecticut!

Help Is Available

Calls/Chat are available for FREE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call 1-888-789-7777 to be connected to a trained helpline specialist offered by the CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG)

CCPG provides support, resources & referrals to treatment and self-help groups for those struggling with gambling related problems and others impacted or concerned with another person’s gambling behavior

Chats/Calls are confidential and can be anonymous

Calls/Chats link visitors to local treatment providers who specialize in gambling disorder and gambling related issues

MCCA is the Bettor Choice Provider in Region 5 offering outpatient and short-term inpatient treatment to those struggling with gambling and their families.

Outpatient Treatment for Problem Gambling Includes:

Individual, group, budget counseling for both gamblers and family members
Psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members
Couples and family counseling

Visit their webpage here.

Gamblers Anonymous is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to locate a meeting near you.

Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of those with a gambling disorder.

About Our Team

The Region 5 Problem Gambling Awareness Team consists of community stakeholders working toward raising awareness around disordered gambling and helping connect those in need to treatment.

Our partners include DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, The CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and treatment providers MCCA, McCall Center for Behavioral Health, and Apex Community Care.

Contact mmcgee@wctcoalition.org

Meet Matt McGee!

Problem Gambling Prevention Coordinator for Region 5

Matt joined WCTC in June 2024. He is a lifelong resident of Connecticut, residing down the road from Region 5 in Shelton. He recently graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with his Bachelors Degree in Social Work and has a strong passion for social work and public service. Prior to working at WCTC, Matt was an AmeriCorps/Social Work Intern at a food insecurity agency called the East End NRZ Market & Cafe in Bridgeport, CT, and he is currently serving his first term on Shelton's Planning & Zoning Commission as an Alternate. In his spare time, he helps run a small community litter clean-up organization called The Shelton Clean-Up Project. He is excited to be a part of WCTC as a Prevention Coordinator, assisting those who struggle with gambling and behavioral health disorders while educating various communities on the risks associated with gambling and how people can protect themselves. If he's not working on community projects, you can probably find him at a concert or watching the Giants, Red Sox, Rangers, or at a Bridgeport Islanders game.

Please visit the team webpage where you can find out more and download resources to share!

Western CT Coalition is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization servicing the 43 towns of DMHAS Region 5.

Visit our website