Introduction
At casino.borgataonline.com and poker.borgataonline.com, we believe that online gaming can offer an unsurpassed level of excitement when done in the spirit of fun. However, when in those instances a person exhibits problem gambling behaviors, we believe it is our responsibility to offer information and assistance.
This document was created to inform customers of the perils associated with compulsive gambling and serve as a means of prevention to those who have problem gambling tendencies.
Please take a moment to read through this information, as it will not only help you avoid excesses, but provide you with the means to maximize your enjoyment while gaming responsibly.
What is problem gambling?
Like many other addictions, compulsive betting is rooted in an uncontrollable urge and obsession, which if left unchecked, can lead to financial hardship.
Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of this disease is deception; problem gamblers will go to great lengths to hide the problem, not just from others, but also from themselves. As a result, detection can come late after adverse consequences are reveled and with dire consequences.
A negative vicious cycle often develops, wherein the gambler seeks relief or even a solution through increased gambling. The ensuing financial and emotional deterioration affects every aspect of a bettor's life from family and friends to business colleagues and associates.
Compulsive gambling is a disease that does not discriminate. Anyone is susceptible regardless of gender, age, race, or financial status. Fortunately, once detected, it is an addiction that can be successfully treated.
The warning signs:
- Sacrificing time from work or family in order to gamble
- Repeated inability to stop or control betting
- Borrowing money to gamble or to pay off previous bets
- Use of gambling as an emotional escape
- Self-neglect or neglect of family due to gambling
- Lying about time or money lost to betting
- Gambling more in order to recoup previous losses ("chasing")
- Obtaining money for gambling by selling/pawning personal property
- Feelings of hopelessness, depression or suicide
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey:
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that provides information, education and referral services for people affected by a gambling problem. The Council’s mission is to educate the public to the fact that gambling is a treatable illness. The Council’s 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline and website www.800gambler.org have been resources for thousands of people who are gamblers and recovering from gambling, as well as their friends and families. The 1-800-GAMBLER® helpline is free and confidential, and it is available 24 hours a day throughout much of the U.S.
Help is just a phone call away:
If you or someone you know is experiencing the addiction of compulsive gambling, it's important to remember that intervention and treatment are readily available.
The Problem Gambler's Hotline is a confidential service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is staffed by trained professionals who understand the nature of the disease and are committed to helping those in need.
Just pick up the phone and dial 1-800-GAMBLER or, log on to 800gambler.org
Too much of anything can be bad for you, so we encourage all of our players to know their limits and stay within them. Review the rest of this information to find out more about how we’re creating a fair and Responsible Gaming environment for everyone to enjoy.