PROBLEM GAMBLERS CAN BET ON LOSING MORE THAN THEY BARGAINED FOR AT SUPERBOWL XL

New York, NY (January 26, 2006)—Whether it is the thrill-seeker in people or a distorted sense of their own ability to beat the odds, individuals with a gambling problem may find themselves drawn to high-risk behaviors like betting on this year’s Super Bowl even though they may have suffered dearly for their behavior in the past.

“A big betting event like Super Bowl XL can trigger a cascade of problems for the more than 250,000 New Yorkers who have a problem with gambling,” said Dr. Carlos Blanco, Director of the Gambling Treatment Program at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. A sure sign that someone may have a problem is a greater than normal preoccupation with gambling or devising strategies to get money to gamble. Mounting debt is another indication that someone may be in trouble.

For those contemplating getting treatment for their gambling or anticipating a relapse, there is hope and help is available at the Psychiatric Institute’s program for problem gamblers.

Although there is no “one size fits all” treatment for gambling—some people will respond to talk therapy and others to medication—60% of people who seek treatment do get better. Dr. Blanco’s advice to problem gamblers then is “If you like betting, bet on getting treatment. The odds are far better.”

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