New PA Problem Gambling Site

January 09, 2011 | News Category: Online Casinos

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While most of the people who gamble online, and in land based casinos, use gambling as a source of recreation, and the games are simply games, there are those who become addicted to gambling, and need some help. For those who need help, they often will not seek help because they are embarrassed about their problem gambling, or else, they are concerned that they do not want others to know about their gambling addiction.

A new website has been created by the Department of Health in Pennsylvania. The website will aid those who have gambling problems, and also those who are concerned that they may develop gambling problems. To date, those who needed some help with gambling problems were able to make use of a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week problem gambling hotline that was toll free. This toll free hotline still exists, although the new website is now available with additional information and resources.

The Acting Secretary of Health, Michael Huff, said: "Gambling can become an addiction for up to three percent of Pennsylvanians who gamble recreationally." Mr. Huff explained further that even though for some, gambling is simply a game to play, for others, it most certainly can be "a devastating illness that affects them and the people close to them."

Mr. Huff noted: "This new website offers a one-step resource for people who may have a online casino gambling problem, and their loved ones seeking help."

The type of information that can be found on the new website includes information that will help players to find other forms of help, such as where local Gamblers Anonymous meetings are to be found. There is also a list available of private counseling options, and also state-subsidized counseling options.

For those who are not sure whether they have online gambling problems, or land based gambling addiction, they can read the list of warning signs, and also use the risk assessment tool, which will help them to get a reality check, and see whether they have a gambling problem, or whether they, or someone they know well, has a potential gambling addiction problem.

In conjunction with the new website, the PA Department of Health are also running a campaign to help ensure that the public are educated about problem gambling, and the resources that are available to help.

Mr. Huff noted that "problem gambling is gambling that results in significant debt, family disruption, job loss, criminal activity or suicide… it affects the gamblers, their families, their employers and the community. We hope this site provides help to people with the addiction, and their families."

The website can be found on www.PaProblemGambling.com.