Gambling Services
“When gambling is more than a game, no one wins.”
Gambling Services
Are you or a loved one experiencing problems with gambling? If someone answers YES to any of the questions below, that person should seek the advice of an experienced gambling counselor.
3 Questions:
- During the past 12 months, have you become restless irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut
down on gambling? - During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you
gambled? - During the past 12 months, did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you
had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare?
What is the Cost?
Services are provided to Louisiana residents at NO COST.
For Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis parishes, call 337-475-8022 and ask to speak with
someone about gambling services.
For more information:
Warning Signs:
Over 5% of the population may have a gambling problem, and the way they play puts them and their families at financial
and emotional risk.
- Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling
- Have trouble controlling your gambling
- Spending more time gambling than intended
- Increase in size of bets (sudden and dramatic)
- Working up special occasions for gambling (canceling other plans)
- Gamble even when you don’t have the money
- Intensity of interest in gambling (constant tension & excitement)
- Boasting about winning; evasive about losing
- Family and friends are worried about you
- Exaggerated display of money and other possessions
- Drop off in other activities
- Preoccupied
- Frequent absences from home and work
- Withdrawal from family
- Personality changes (increased irritability/hostility)
- Diversion of family funds
- Borrowing money
- Criminal activity
Reasonable Gambling Guidelines:
If you are concerned that gambling is becoming more than a game for you, try using these guidelines to moderate your
play.
- Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment.
- Consider any money you win as a bonus.
- Set a dollar or time limit and stick to it. Leave when you reach your limit, whether you are winning or losing.
- Understand that you will probably lose.
- Don’t borrow money to gamble.
- Don’t let gambling interfere with or become a substitute for family, friends or work.
- Don’t chase losses. Chances are you’ll lose more money trying to recoup your losses.
- Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
- Know the warning signs or problem gambling.
More Information
Helpful Resources:
The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline 877-770-STOP
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling
National Council on Problem Gambling
Gamblers Anonymous
Gam-anon
Center of Recovery – CORE
(p) 318-424-HELP
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