Gambling Harm Prevention
Gambling is the act of risking money, or something else of value, on an activity with an uncertain outcome. While most people who gamble are able to do so recreationally, some people find that they are not able to stop gambling, even when it negatively impacts their lives, jobs, or relationships.
Free help is available:
Free, confidential help is available for someone who may be struggling with gambling AND for people impacted by someone else’s gambling (family, co-worker, friend, etc.).
Whether you want to talk about your own or about someone else’s gambling, counselors are available to listen and help you explore options to take a break, cut back or stop gambling altogether. Call, text or chat with real people who can get you connected with resources that are right for you.
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Go online to: Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (https://www.opgr.org/)
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NOTE: the website has a variety of resources, including for those affected by gambling, and help with moderation or quitting gambling (including free access to texting, live chat, counseling, and a personalized tracking application, Evive)
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Live chat or text: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.
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Call: 1-877-MY-LIMIT (1-877-695-4648), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak to someone in Spanish, please call 1-844-888-2537
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If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, there is help available: Suicide prevention and crisis related resources.
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Here in Deschutes County, gambling addiction services are available through BestCare Treatment services: call 541-617-7365 or go online to: www.bestcaretreatment.org/gambling/
Watch for warning signs:
- Gambling more frequently or for longer than intended
- Declining work or school performance
- Spending less time than usual with family or friends
- Borrowing money in order to gamble
- Worrying about money lost, or wanting to play or bet more to win it back
- Lying about where money goes
Deschutes County Health Services for Gambling Harm Prevention:
The Deschutes County Prevention and Health Promotion Team raises awareness in the community that gambling is an activity that carries risk. Staff build awareness in many settings where people study, work, play, and live, with a focus on populations who are most vulnerable to experiencing gambling harms. Strategies to prevent gambling harms are embedded in school-based programs, suicide and substance misuse prevention programs, organizational policies designed to prevent gambling harms, and with community partner efforts. If you would like to learn more about how your program or organization can help, reach out to Lauren Wood at lauren.wood@deschutes.org or (541) 419-3640.
Additional resources are available in the Supporting Documents and Links section, at the bottom of this page.
