Reflect, Resource, Renew

Problem gambling can be prevented, and many resources are available for people in Oregon.

Problem gambling can be prevented, and many resources are available for people in Oregon. These three steps can be used to prevent and address concerns about gambling. 

Reflect
Reflect on these questions which can prevent problems with gambling:

• How much is gambling costing you? Most adults (9 out of 10) agree that people should understand how much gambling costs them. See www.oregonlottery.org/play-responsibly.
• Is a time limit set and followed?
• Is gambling interfering with friends, family, work, or other worthwhile activities?
• Is gambling used to cope with emotional or physical pain?
• What worries do you have about a friend/family member who might be gambling too much?
• How is gambling negatively impacting those you care about?
• Is drinking while gambling avoided?
• How is someone’s gambling negatively impacting their life or yours?
• Is borrowed money or credit being used for gambling?

Resource
Learn about the resources available and consider how you could be a resource to others. 
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s gambling, there is hope. Treatment is free, confidential and it works. Visit the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource to learn more. 

Renew
Renewal of lives is possible. Problem gambling can be prevented and can be treated. 

Responsible Gambling Guidelines

Most adults, 87%, agree that if people choose to gamble, they should have their own guidelines for gambling responsibly.  
If you choose to gamble, consider using these guidelinesⁱ: 

1. Gamble for entertainment purposes only.
2. Treat the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment. Treat any winnings as a bonus.
3. Set a dollar limit and stick to it. Decide before you go not only what you can “afford” to lose, but how much you want to spend.
4. Set a time limit and stick to it.
5. Expect to lose- the odds are that you will lose.
6. Do not borrow money or use credit to gamble.
7. Gambling should not interfere with other worthwhile activities
8. Avoid “chasing” lost money.
9. Gambling should not be used as a coping mechanism.
10. Drinking alcohol while gambling carries additional risk.
11. Become educated about the warning signs of problem gambling. 

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Learn the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Are you (or someone you know) experiencing these symptoms?

• Preoccupied with gambling
• Secretive about gambling habits, and defensive when confronted
• Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
• Restless and irritable when not gambling
• Gambling to "feel better"
• Borrowing money for gambling
• Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debt
• Committing crimes to finance gambling
• Frequent unexplained absences
• Chasing losses (gambling to win back losses)
• Losing work time because of gambling
• Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
• Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling
• Relying on others to bail them out to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

Help for Problem Gambling

Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline
Help for problem gambling is FREE in Oregon. Call 1-877-MY-LIMIT (1-877-695-4648), chat online at www.opgr.org, or text 503-713-6000 between the hours of 8AM and 9PM (Monday-Friday). When you call, a certified gambling addiction counselor will listen, answer questions and refer you to treatment services. 
Spanish: 1-844-TU-VALES (1-844-888-2537)