Please go straight to the content.
Taking gambling addiction lightly is not advisable.
Advocates are emphasizing the intricate nature of addiction treatment as Responsible Gambling Awareness Month is observed.
The advocates hold the belief that a single solution cannot magically solve everything.
Jody Bechtold, CEO of the Better Institute, emphasized the importance of making choices that minimize harm rather than exacerbating it during Michigan’s 14th Annual Problem Gambling Symposium.
Knowing all the available tools is crucial for individuals seeking treatment.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion, achieved through legal documentation, represents the most significant stride that gambling addicts can willingly take, eliminating the possibility of engaging in gambling activities.
There are two variations of Self-Exclusion available, namely the Disassociated Persons List and Responsible Gambling Database.
The Disassociated Persons List specifically pertains to individuals who are prohibited from accessing the three retail casinos in Detroit. However, it does not extend to properties owned by tribal entities.
The aforementioned is a voluntary legal agreement aimed at prohibiting individuals from entering, accessing, or obtaining winnings from the specified trio of casinos. Following a period of five years, an individual has the option to apply for removal from said list.
By applying for inclusion in the Responsible Gambling Database, you are voluntarily excluding yourself from accessing online sportsbooks and casinos. This restriction is applicable to all legally operating operators in the state of Michigan.
The duration of self-exclusion periods recorded in the Responsible Gambling Database can be either one year or five years. Once the specified period is over, individuals need to reapply if they wish to remain on the database. Although certain states do provide lifetime bans, Michigan does not currently offer this option.
Bechtold stated that individuals require additional choices, beyond just lifetime, although they do acknowledge that lifetime options can be advantageous for many people.
Blocking Software
Taking the initiative to place oneself on self-exclusion lists is undeniably a significant measure in addressing problem gambling. Nevertheless, it does not completely remove an individual from the gambling setting.
Although online gambling may not be accessible to excluded individuals, they remain susceptible to various other temptations.
By silencing the surrounding noise, blocking software adds an additional layer to treatment.
Blocking software such as Gamban, Gamblock, and Betblocker are specifically designed to accomplish this task.
Gamban, a highly successful product in Britain, effectively prevents access to online gambling on various digital devices. This comprehensive solution covers:
- Tablets
- Phones
- Laptops
- Desktops
In addition, Gamban globally limits access to both regulated and unregulated products, including other forms of gambling and gaming.
- Bingo
- Lottery
- Social Casinos
- Non-Fungible Tokens
- Crypto
- Gambling Affiliates
- Trading Platforms
- Esports Platforms
Inpatient Therapy
In Michigan, another emerging alternative that is still in its early development phase is inpatient therapy.
Advocates argue that although there is a wide range of outpatient therapy options available, there is an urgent need for a significant expansion in inpatient treatment alternatives.
“The time has come to expand our inpatient treatment centers. With the necessary funds readily available, it is imperative that we establish more inpatient programs,” emphasized Michael Burke, the Executive Director of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling.
Burke emphasizes the importance of ensuring that these programs are accessible without any charges.
According to Burke, it is crucial for programs to be provided free of charge as gamblers typically only consider seeking treatment in two specific situations. The first being when they are confronted by a spouse or a loved one who has discovered their gambling problem, and the second is when they have completely depleted their financial resources and have no other option. Burke argues that if gamblers had any money left, they would prioritize spending it on gambling rather than seeking treatment. Therefore, he believes that offering free treatment programs is of utmost importance.
In Detroit, Mariners Inn is a notable establishment that currently provides inpatient services specifically tailored for individuals seeking treatment for gambling disorder.
The program offers intensive residential substance abuse treatment for adult males for a maximum duration of 30 days, with the goal of addressing gambling addiction and related compulsive behaviors.
For further information about the program, please get in touch with Brittany Miles at [email protected] or call 313-962-9446 extension 233.
Overcoming the stigma
One significant obstacle that hinders gambling addiction treatment is the enduring stigma associated with individuals acknowledging their problem.
Burke emphasized the need to create an environment where individuals feel at ease to openly address their gambling issues, acknowledging the significant societal stigma associated with it.
Burke claims that only 10% of compulsive gamblers acknowledge their problem.
Burke emphasizes the necessity for treatment to adapt rapidly and significantly in order to keep pace with the rapid growth of online gaming, as gambling becomes more widely accessible.
Burke stated that the current state of gambling addiction is similar to where substance abuse was 50 years ago. Drawing from personal experience as someone who struggled with substance abuse five decades ago, Burke emphasized the need to address gambling addiction and raise awareness about its nature as a recognized addiction. It is crucial to educate individuals that gambling addiction is not merely a sign of weakness or lack of control, but a treatable medical condition. Both the gambler and their family must receive proper treatment and support.
A gambling addict possesses the ability to conceal their challenges unlike individuals with substance abuse addictions who display visible signs.
Burke emphasized the need for us to include addiction in the conversation just like we do with substance abuse. While the signs of drug and alcohol use are evident, gambling addiction doesn’t have an outward manifestation. Therefore, if we fail to address and educate people about this issue, progress in treatment will be limited.
If you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance with a gambling-related concern, please dial 1-800-270-7117 to reach the Problem Gambling Helpline of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.