The Council for Compulsive Gambling New Jersey

The CCGNJ Offers Ways for Problem Gamblers to Enjoy the Super Bowl Responsibly

 

Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/31/2018 -- This year, countless people will throw Super Bowl parties and gather to watch the big game. As game day approaches, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) cautions problem gamblers to take part in Super Bowl festivities responsibly.

According to the American Gaming Association (AGA), Americans wagered an estimated $4.7 billion on last year's Super Bowl. 97% of those bets occurred in places like Atlantic City, where sports gambling is illegal. Despite laws in some states and cities prohibiting such activity, bets and wagers involving the Super Bowl will likely remain commonplace this year.

Many Americans will watch the Super Bowl in sports bars or at Super Bowl parties. In those environments, it can be difficult to avoid being around people placing bets on the game. Being around such activity can be risky for problem gamblers, who can relapse and fall back into a cycle of disordered gambling behavior. Alcohol - another common feature of Super Bowl celebrations - can also serve as triggers for people that struggle with disordered gambling.

However, if problem gamblers make a few preparations, they can enjoy the big game and maintain their recovery with minimal discomfort or risk of relapse. For example, they can communicate with friends and family ahead of time to make sure that they won't encounter any gambling activity. Disordered gamblers can also suggest other ways to celebrate, like cookoffs or football-themed party games.

"Although Super Bowl celebrations may pose some risks to problem gamblers, they can still safely join the festivities if they take some precautions," said Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the CCGNJ. "As always, coping with disordered gambling involves communication, patience, and understanding."

To learn more about the CCGNJ, visit their website, https://800gambler.org/. If you or a loved one struggles with sports betting in AC or other forms of gambling, call the CCGNJ's free 24/7, confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, for support, treatment, and hope.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.

For more information, please visit http://www.800gambler.org.