SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) - It's National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and just recently, New YorkState has made it possible for you to put yourself on a list, essentially banning yourself from racetracks and casinos! It's all in an effort for troubled gamblers to take control of their lives. One woman says each day is a battle to keep herself from betting. <\/p>\n
At the height of her gambling addiction, Joyce was spending thousands each day. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"I started off with some quarters and it got to the point that wasn't enough for me,\" said Joyce. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A member of Gambler's Anonymous, Joyce asked that we not share her full name or show her face. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Her gambling addiction started off as many do: at a machine. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"When I was standing in front of this machine, very mesmerizing. It had my full attention,\" said Joyce. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
She says it was her first win that sealed the deal. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"The worst thing that could've happened to me was win in the beginning,\" said Joyce. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As more casinos pop up across the state one addiction counselor has concerns. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"If you win, our belief is that gene is then triggered and you end up doing what we call 'chasing the bet,'\" said Judi Rozsa, an addiction counselor. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
That chase, whether it be a sports parlay, an online bet or at a casino can last all day every day. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"Gambling is socially acceptable and it is 24-hour accessible,\" said Joyce. <\/p>\n
Del LagoCasino says it promotes \"responsible gambling,\" meaning it's committed to keeping underage individuals and those on the exclusion or self-exclusion lists away. <\/p>\n
There's a state hotline too. That number is 1-877-8-HOPE-N-Y or send a text to HOPENY. <\/p>\n
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See more here:<\/p>\n
Living with a gambling addiction - WSYR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) - It's National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and just recently, New YorkState has made it possible for you to put yourself on a list, essentially banning yourself from racetracks and casinos! It's all in an effort for troubled gamblers to take control of their lives Continue reading