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problem gamblers awareness day |
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EVENT: Problem Gamblers Awareness Day rally in Eugene; spotlight on social gamingFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 26, 2006 VISUAL/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: PEOPLE TELL THEIR STORIES; GAMBLING-RELATED TOYS AND VISUALS Contact:
Event: Oregon Observes Problem Gambling Awareness Day When: Friday, September 10, at 10:00 AM Where: Lane County Public Service Building; Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, weather permitting (or Harris Hall), 125 E. 8th Ave, Eugene. Who:
What: The 11th annual Problem Gamblers Awareness Day will be held in Eugene to help increase awareness in Lane County about problem gambling and the availability of help for gambling problems. The event will spotlight recent gambling trends, including social gaming, that without mitigation, can present a concern to local communities. Story: Eugene, Oregon-- Between card rooms, television poker shows, and Internet betting, gambling-- particularly poker-- has experienced unprecedented exposure and popularity. These usually harmless games are causing concern among experts and community members alike about rise in gambling - and potential problems it can create. In order to help increase public awareness about the growing gambling trend and its concerns, and the availability of help for gambling problems, Ronda Hatefi is holding the 11th annual Problem Gamblers Awareness Day rally in Eugene. In 1995, Hatefi lost her brother Bobby to suicide due to his gambling addiction. He was only 28. Since then, Hatefi began a crusade of public awareness on problem gambling issues, founding the Oregonians for Problem Gambling Awareness Organization. Hatefi typically holds her rally every year on September 29, Bobby's birthday, at the State Capitol. This time around her event will be in Eugene, to spotlight some recent changes with social gaming in her home community. "We would like to raise the consciousness of communities and retailers alike, including local social gaming establishments, in how people can make healthy decisions when it comes to gambling," Hatefi said. "It is the responsibility of all of us who know about this issue to help protect citizens from harm that can be caused by caused by gambling." Senator Vicki Walker will be speaking at the event. "Our state's growing reliance on gambling revenue is a troubling sign for the future," said Senator Vicki Walker (D-Eugene). "We have an obligation to provide the next generation with budget solutions that don't rely on further increases in state-sponsored gambling." About 70,000 Oregonian adults have problems with their gambling, with an additional 10,000 teens affected. Consequences of problem gambling include more than just debt; families and jobs are often lost, and depression and alcohol or drug abuse is quite common among problem gamblers. In Oregon's gambling treatment facilities last year, one in 20 problem gamblers said they made an attempt on their lives in the six months leading up to treatment. About one in four problem gamblers in Oregon said they committed crimes to finance their gambling habit. The City of Eugene has written an amendment to its social gaming ordinance that would include a minimum age requirement. Eugene is a leader for age minimums in the state, as currently there is no language in the Oregon Revised Statutes to prevent underage youth from participating in organized social games. Only two jurisdictions in the state (City of Portland and Deschutes County) are known to have age minimum requirements. Experts are growingly concerned that youth have open access to gambling in social gaming premises. Research shows that the earlier in life people begin to gamble, the more at risk they are for developing gambling problems later in life. Julie Hynes, coordinator of Lane County's problem gambling prevention program, stresses the importance of educating the community. "Gambling isn't usually harmful, but it can be every bit as addictive as alcohol and drugs. All too often, we as a community see gambling as a harmless alternative to alcohol or drug use. This is simply just not true." Despite the problem, there is hope and help for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Effective prevention and treatment programs are the most cost-effective way at mitigating problem gambling. Lane County's "Know the Rules of the Game" problem gambling prevention program is working to help educate youth, policymakers, and the community on the effects of problem gambling. The program, coordinated by Julie Hynes, includes a host of evidence-based efforts, including direct awareness building. The emergence Meridian Gambling Treatment Program in Eugene offers free treatment services for anyone affected by gambling problems, including loved ones. "We consider the Eugene ordinance a great educational opportunity," said Hynes, "to help social gaming premises on how they can offer fun poker and other games for their customers, while still protecting problem gamblers and underage youth. We know that most people want to do the right thing --and we're here to help if they need the tools." Anyone concerned about possible gambling problems can receive free and confidential help by calling the 24-hour help line at 1.877.MY.LIMIT (877-278-6766). Parents and others can get tips and more information about problem gambling at Lane County's problem gambling website, www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling. Additional responsible gambling and problem gambling materials are available through the program free of charge. ###
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