Potawatomi - The Smart Gambler

POTAWATOMI
HOTEL & CASINO

custom ad

welcome letter

TABLCE oOntFents

6 Welcome

An introduction to this guide

8 See the Signs

How to recognize problematic gambling

10 Please Gamble Responsibly

Tips to avoid issues and have fun

12 Doubling Down

How gambling problems affect more than your wallet

14 How Can I Help?

5 ways to help a problem gambler

16 Information & Help

Resources for those impacted by problem gambling

18 Confronting Problem Gambling

Potawatomi Casino’s number one social mission

20 Gamblers Anonymous

A fellowship of hope and recovery

22 Keeping Gaming Fun

Wisconsin Council leads the fight against problem gambling

24 Custom Potowatomi Article

Insert subline here

No matter where you go in the United
States, gaming is part of the social fabric of
our country. Today, experts estimate that
nearly 80 percent of Americans participate
in some form of gambling every year.
Gaming can add excitement to our lives
and provide a welcome break from our
normal routine. But there are also many
who struggle with gambling problems and
even addiction, and it is the goal of this
publication to make sure we do everything
in our power to help those in need
overcome their issues.

6

A Smart Gambler’s Pocket Guide is designed to give you
the tools and information you need to avoid problematic
gambling and have fun during your playing experience. It
is our sincere desire that you will learn from these articles
and take the tips and suggestions with you into your
gaming routine.

Inside this guide you’ll find information on
how to spot a gambling problem in yourself
or others, how problematic gambling can
negatively affect your life, as well as how to
gamble responsibly. The guide also offers
information on resources for those seeking
help with gambling issues. Through the
information presented in this guide, we hope
everyone can avoid problematic gambling
and come away with the best possible
gaming experience.

7

See the

SIGNSpHroowblteomreatciocggnaimzebling

Whether it’s slots, a weekly poker game with friends, or a
friendly wager on the big game, gambling comes in many forms.
But its defining trait is risk. No matter the stakes, the chance of
losing is inherent in every form of gambling. The risk of losing
money is obvious, but there is also the risk of developing
problematic gambling habits, or even a gambling addiction.
Problems may be hard to spot in friends or family, and may be
even harder to acknowledge in ourselves. So here are 10 signs
someone you know may be developing a gambling problem:

Lying to trusted friends or family about
the amount of time spent gambling or
the amount of money they’re wagering.

Expressing thoughts about money
directly related to gambling (i.e. seeing
all money as potential gambling money).

Gambling as an escape from the
daily realities of work and family life.

Pawning personal items or looking for
small loans from friends and family they
wouldn’t normally need.

Gambling with increasingly
larger amounts of money as
they chase a bigger “thrill.”
Hiding overdue bills or other financial
struggles directly related to their
gambling activity.
Personality changes, particularly
during times of significant
winning or losing.
Neglecting important
relationships or responsibilities to
spend time gambling.
Resorting to stealing or other
forms of crime to acquire
gambling money.
Promising to cut back on their
gambling and being unable to do so.

9

PLEASE GAMBLE

Responsibly
Tips to avoid
issues and have fun
It’s no wonder No Limit Texas Hold’em shot to
the top of the gambling world. The high stakes
make for great action. But when it comes to
gambling responsibly, setting limits is just about
the best thing you can do. Here are some tips
to avoid running into problems:

It’s supposed
to be fun!

Just like a show or a movie, try to think of
gambling as entertainment, rather than a
means of making money. Chances are
you’re not a professional poker player, so
don’t try to act like one. Just enjoy
spending your time playing and don’t let
the wins or losses affect you too much.

10

Know Your Limits

Before you step into the casino, set a dollar amount
that you can afford to lose. Don’t go over that limit,
regardless of how the chips may fall. Also, set a
time limit for your playing as well. This will help
keep your day and your spending on track.

Sober is Better

Gambling does not require you to drink.
By refraining from using alcohol or other
substances, you have a better chance of
sticking to your spending plans and
coming out ahead.

Accept the Outcome

If you’re going to the casino to try to
win back what you lost during a
previous visit, you’re setting yourself
up for problems. Accept your losses,
know the odds of the games you’re
playing, and just have fun.

11

How gambling problems
a ect more than your wallet

Casinos are busy places, but even with all
the people coming and going, it’s easy to
still feel alone when spending several
hours at the tables or playing slots. So
when things aren’t going your way, it’s
easy to feel as if the losses are all
your own. But problematic
gambling behavior affects
everyone around you and can
have serious consequences
for your friends and family, as
well as your finances.

12

It’s important to recognize that money isn’t the only thing you can
lose when you develop a gambling problem. By spending more
time at the casino than you do at home, you can lose out on
precious time with loved ones and strain critical relationships. How

you spend your time is a statement on what’s important to you,
and spending free time at the casino may make loved
ones feel you don’t value them. Children especially
can experience abandonment issues that can
cause serious emotional stress and potential
behavioral problems down the road.

There are also potential physical and
psychological effects from

problematic gambling behavior.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic say
compulsive gambling can
cause poor general health as
well as depression,
sometimes leading to
suicidal thoughts or
actions. Someone with a
gambling problem may
not recognize these
symptoms until they are
fully enveloped in
their addiction.

You may gamble alone,
but the effects of

problematic gambling are
felt by those closest to you,
even if the signs are difficult

to see.

13

wparyosbtloemheglpama bler

If you think a family member or friend has a gambling
problem, what can you do to help them?

Gambling is similar to other forms of addiction, in that it can
trigger the brain's reward systems, setting up a damaging cycle
of behavior. The earlier the process is identified, the better the
chances for a successful recovery. Here are five steps to help the

gambler to admit a problem and seek help:

Educate Yourself. Learn as much

as you can about problem gambling including
its warning signs, negative impacts and
options for help and recovery.

Diagnose the problem.

Look for possible signs: spending more money

on gambling than one can afford; difficulties in

personal relationships or work caused by

gambling; an inability to stop or cut back on

14 gambling; or, stealing or committing fraud to
support gambling.

Make a plan. First, you want to

choose the right moment to talk. If the person
recently had a negative gambling experience
and is regretful, that might be a good
opportunity to start the discussion. If the
person tries to rationalize their behavior, be
prepared to offer evidence of their problem
(credit card bills, lost job, etc.)

Focus on the problem.

When confronting someone about problem
gambling, stay calm and be supportive. Tell
them how their gambling has affected you.
Lecturing the gambler is typically not an
effective approach; it may make them more
defensive and unable to see their problem.

Seek expert help. Problem

gambling doesn't just affect the gambler. It
can have serious consequences for the
people around them too. Enlist the help of
professionals, not only for psychological
support, but for financial advice
and counseling.

Although compulsive gambling is not easy to overcome, 15
many people are able to manage their illness with
professional help, and ongoing support from those
around them.

Resources for those
impacted by problem gaming

The National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG.org.)
Disseminates information about problem and pathological
(compulsive) gambling. NCPG also promotes the
development of services for those with the disorder.

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gaming
(wis.-problemgamblers.org.) An affiliate of the
National Council, the council provides
information on resources in Wisconsin, including
a list of addiction treatment providers, and
locations of Gamblers Anonymous and
Gam-Anon (for the loved ones of addicted
gamblers) meetings around the state.

The National Center for
Responsible Gaming (NCRG.org)
is the only national organization
exclusively devoted to funding
research that helps increase
understanding of pathological and
youth gambling and find effective
methods of treatment for
the disorder.

16

The website DontBetYet.com provides educational
resources to teach children about gambling.
The website getgamingfacts.ca provides information on the
psychology of gaming and responsible gaming tips.
The Journal of Gambling Issues (jgi.camh.net) is an
open-access, indexed journal that provides a scientific forum
for developments in gambling-related research, policy issues,
and treatment.
The website Gamtalk.org provides online support for
gambling issues and discussion forums for those who are
concerned about their own gambling, and for family and
friends of problem gamblers.
The Division on Addiction of
the Cambridge Health Alliance
(an affiliate of Harvard Medical
School) has developed InSIGHT,
the Independent Science-based
Information on Gambling &
Health Training. InSIGHT is an
evidence-based multimedia
training system for gambling
industry employees.

17

CoPnRfrOonBtiLnEgM

GAMBLING

Potawatomi Casino’s number
one social mission

Potawatomi Bingo Casino has devoted more
resources than any other casino in Wisconsin to the
issue of problem gambling, by:

Being a leading contributor to the Wisconsin Council on
Problem Gambling.

Providing helpline materials inside the casino.
Supporting training for management and front-line team

members to help develop an awareness of problem gambling.

Including helpline information in the casino’s guest
publication, Ante.

Providing a self-restriction program.

Responsible Gaming is Potawatomi Hotel & Casino’s number one
social priority and we are committed to making people aware of

the risks and providing resources for those who need it.

18

If you or someone you know answers

“yes” to any of these questions, it

might be time to seek advice or help:

 Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
 Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
 Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
 Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go

unpaid?

 Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
 Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance

your gambling?

 Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
 Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
 Have you been remorseful after gambling?
 Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?

Source: National Council on Problem Gambling, Inc.

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
also offers a gambling
self-restriction program,
available to any guest. For
some who gamble,
self-restriction can provide a
needed break or safeguard
against a potential problem.

For more information on 19
self-restriction, contact the
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Ban Inquiry Line at
414-847-7608. Or, ask to
speak with someone from
Security or Guest Relations
while visiting the Casino.

GAMBLERS

Anonymous
A fellowship of hope & recovery

One of the most effective tools for dealing with a gambling addiction is the
self-help organization Gamblers Anonymous.
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women who share
their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their
common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. Like
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous is a
12-step program based on principles designed to promote personal growth
and recovery.
This can be accomplished by having faith in, and following, the basic concepts
of the Gamblers Anonymous Recovery Program. We believe that recovering
from gambling or other compulsive addictions requires diligent effort, an
open mind, and a willingness to change.

20

As in AA and NA, newcomers to the fellowship are guaranteed the
right to remain anonymous, if they so choose. Anonymity serves as
a useful reminder to always place GA principles above individual
personalities.
While Gamblers Anonymous is based on spiritual principles, it is
not a religious group, and does not require any particular religious
affiliation. Membership includes people from many religious faiths,
along with agnostics and atheists. The Gamblers Anonymous recov-
ery program is based on acceptance of certain spiritual values, but
each member is allowed to interpret these principles as he or she
sees fit.
There is no financial obligation required to be a Gamblers Anony-
mous member. Since Gamblers Anonymous has traditionally been
fully self-supporting and declines outside contributions, expenses
are met through voluntary financial support by the members.

A list of weekly Gamblers Anonymous meetings by county is available
on the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling’s website:

wi-problemgamblers.org/resources/gamblers-anonymous-meetings

21

KGAeeMp ING

Fun
Wisconsin Council leads the fight
against problem gambling

The state of Wisconsin has a unique resource to help those
who may be addicted to gambling: the Wisconsin Council
on Problem Gambling. A nonprofit organization affiliated
with the National Council on Problem Gaming, the council
offers a number of programs and services to help problem
gamblers, and those who would like to help them.

The primary mission of the WCPG is to educate and
promote public understanding of problem gambling
and the disorder of compulsive gambling.

Its efforts are focused on:

 Promoting public education and awareness of problem and

compulsive gambling.

 Advocating quality assistance for all individuals who may be

adversely affected by gambling problems.

 Identifying “high risk” groups for problem and compulsive

gambling and promoting prevention activities.

 Providing training to professional counselors in the treatment

of compulsive and problem gamblers.

22

WCPG was formed in 1993 by a
group of counselors, recovering
compulsive gamblers, educators,
and concerned citizens. Based
in Green Bay, it has a statewide
membership, a statewide board of
directors and a statewide mission.

Since beginning its public awareness campaign in September,
1998, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling has provided
the following to Wisconsin residents:

 High school educational curriculum
 Mini-grants for community-based activities
 A 24-hour help line
 An annual, statewide Compulsive Gambling

Awareness Conference
An ongoing, public relations/media awareness campaign

 Training of human service professionals
 A need-assessment survey

A strategic plan

 Research

The Council also offers free information on a number of gambling-related topics, including “What
Is Compulsive Gambling?” self-evaluation, family issues, the technique of “carefrontation,”
internet gambling, how to talk about problem gambling, kids gambling, women and gambling,
judicial issues and providing hope for recovery.

A list of weekly Gamblers Anonymous meetings by county is available on the Council’s website:
wi-problemgamblers.org/resources/gamblers-anonymous-meetings.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, 23
call 1-800-GAMBLE-5 (1-800-426-2535), 24 hours a day.

custom potowatomi article
24

custom potowatomi article
25

custom AD

custom AD

custom AD