Problem Gambling
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling can happen for many reasons. It can be affected by things like your biology, family history, rules in your community, and what people around you think is normal.
About 2 out of every 100 adults in Massachusetts have a gambling problem. People with gambling problems often also struggle with drug or alcohol use or mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
It’s not always easy to tell when gambling becomes a problem. But here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Betting more money to feel the same excitement
- Feeling upset or stressed when trying to stop gambling
- Trying to quit but not being able to
- Thinking about gambling all the time
- Gambling when feeling sad or worried
- Gambling more to try and win back money you lost
- Lying to others about gambling
- Having trouble at work, school, or in relationships because of gambling
- Borrowing money to make up for gambling losses
Not everyone will have all these signs, and how serious the problem is can be different for each person.
What are the facts?
- People who struggle with gambling often also deal with drug or alcohol problems, or mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Gambling problems are also more common in communities of color.
- In a 2022 survey, about half of adults in Massachusetts said they had gambled in the past year.
- A 2023 survey showed that 46% of high school students and 48% of middle school students in Massachusetts had gambled in the past year.
- In a national survey, almost half of people with gambling problems said they got help for mental health issues—but none said they got help for their gambling.
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Get connected with our team:
- If your organization is interested in a group presentation on Problem Gambling:
- If you are interested in speaking with one of our Community Health Workers:
Resources:
- Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline: If you or a loved one is seeking help with problem gambling, call 1-800-327-5050 or text: “GAMB” to 800327 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained Specialist. Specialists are available 24/7 and services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services
- Health Promotion Clearinghouse offers free health promotion materials for Massachusetts residents and health and social services providers. https://massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/category/GAMB.html
Community Wellness Project: A problem gambling prevention service
The Community Wellness Project was created after learning from a local study and a test program that showed how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help prevent and respond to problem gambling. This project is supported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services.
The goal of the Community Wellness Project is to help stop and reduce the harm caused by problem gambling, especially in communities that are more affected by it. The project does this by:
- Talking with and listening to people in the community
- Offering outreach and free screenings
- Leading group or one-on-one learning sessions
- Giving support and connecting people to helpful services
This work focuses on giving families and individuals the tools, education, and support they need to stay healthy and safe. It also looks at how problem gambling is connected to other issues, especially in communities that face more health challenges, and works to bring fair and equal help to everyone.
