MGCB

Compulsive / Problem Gambling
(Revised 11/29/00)

The MGCB is committed to providing help for those who are unable to find a healthy balance between their personal lives and their desire to participate in casino gaming.

Of the $25 million State Services Fee assessed to the three Detroit casinos each year, $2 million is deposited into a Compulsive Gaming Prevention Fund, along with other financial contributions from the Michigan Lottery Bureau and Office of Racing Commissioner. In accordance with Michigan law (Public Act 70 of 1997), the Michigan Department of Community Health determines how this Fund may be used.

The Michigan Department of Community Health websites:

To contact the Michigan Department of Community Health office, call 517/241-2112.

Other Resources

In addition to the MDCH websites, you may find the following programs to be helpful. We provide this information not as an endorsement, but to help you decide which programs, if any, might be helpful for your particular needs.

Gam-Anon - For family members and friends of the compulsive gambler (phone 718/352-1671) - Website not yet available
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share experiences, strength and hope with each other
National Center for Responsible Gaming helps individuals and families by supporting research; encouraging the improvement of prevention, diagnostic, intervention and treatment strategies; and by enhancing public awareness
National Council on Problem Gambling, a non-profit health agency, disseminates information about problem/compulsive gambling, and promotes the development of services (call toll-free 800/522-4700)
ProblemGambling.com
Trimeridian, Inc. provides comprehensive research, diagnostic, treatment, prevention and education resources, for individuals, families and employers (call toll-free 877/664-2625)
Wanna Bet? - According to its sponsor (North American Training Institute), "a cool magazine for kids concerned about gambling."

Are you a Compulsive/Problem Gambler?

Most compulsive/problem gamblers will be able to answer "Yes" to seven or more of these questions:

Do you lose time from work due to gambling?
Is gambling making your home life unhappy?
Is gambling affecting your reputation?
Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
Do you ever gamble in order to have enough money to pay bills, pay debts to others, or solve other financial difficulties?
Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and "win back" your losses?
After a win, do you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
Do you ever borrow money to finance your gambling?
Have you ever sold any personal property to finance your gambling?
Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
Does gambling make you disregard the welfare of your family?
Do you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
Do you ever gamble to escape worry or trouble?
Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act in order to finance gambling?
Does gambling cause you to have difficulty getting to sleep?
Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
Do you have an urge to celebrate any good fortune with a few hours of gambling?
Have you ever considered suicide or other self-destruction as a result of your gambling?

Source: State of Colorado, Division of Gaming website

Signs of Problem Gambling

Increasing the frequency and the amount of money gambled
Spending an excessive amount of time gambling at the expense of job or family time
Being preoccupied with gambling or with obtaining money with which to gamble
Gambling creates a special and intense pleasure, an aroused sense of being in "action"
Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences such as large losses, or work or family problems caused by gambling
Borrowing money to gamble, taking out secret loans, or maximizing credit cards
Bragging about wins but not talking about losses
Frequent mood swings, higher when winning, lower when losing
Gambling for longer periods of time or more money than originally planned
Secretive behavior such as hiding betting slips or receipts; having mail, bills, etc. sent to work, a Post Office box or other address.

Source: Michigan Bureau of State Lottery website

Return to MGCB Home Page | Contact the MGCB