"Give Responsibly. Lottery Tickets Aren't Child's Play."

by Sasha Russell, Program Specialist, Communications, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling 



As the gift-giving season approaches, many people look to scratch ticket games as a quick, easy and “fun” gift to give to people of all ages. According to the Massachusetts Lottery fiscal year 2011 financial report (found here), they made a revenue of over $3 billion on instant games alone. While these games may seem harmless and fun for all ages, it is important to adhere to the law and not give those under 18 this type of gift. According to McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems website (youthgambling.com), retrospective studies have shown that “adult problem gamblers reported an earlier onset of gambling.” The starting age range varies only slightly between different studies, but they all seem to cover at least the 9-19 year old as the starting range for people at high risk for having problems with gambling.

Many people do not see the dangers that gambling at a young age can bring, as it has become common and accepted in our society. It is so widely accepted that it is even in our daily vocabulary without even realizing it. Take a moment to think about how many times a day you say, or hear someone else say, “I bet you...” or “What are the odds of that?” or “You’re a winner!”

Living in a competitive world makes it easy to say those phrases without thinking of the negative consequences they can impose. This is why, especially around the holidays, people don’t think twice about buying their children or nieces and nephews a scratch ticket with a friendly looking snowman, or other welcoming design, on it. I know that was one of my favorite parts of Christmas. We would head down to my grandparents’ house and on their tree would be envelopes marked with the names of most people in the family. Even the adults couldn’t wait to open their presents because they knew what was in the envelope: a chance to be a winner; to have bragging rights that Christmas. Of course, if someone did win a small sum of money, depending on who gave the scratch tickets, the winnings were expected to be split – even in some cases given back! Fights would always ensue, and I eventually got “smart” and if I did win, I’d quietly put my ticket in my bag of toys for later to show my mom in private.

Secrecy is a major component of being a problem gambler, and if someone is taught to act that way at a young age, how will that influence them as adults? The Youth Gambling Problems website says that studies in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and Australia have all “noted rising prevalence rates of youth involvement in both legal and illegal forms of gambling. While approximately 60% of adolescents report having gambled for money during the past year, 4-6% of adolescents presently have a serious gambling problem with another 10-14% of adolescents at-risk for developing a serious gambling problem.”

The Youth Gambling Problems website also describes negative consequences that are associated with adolescent problem gambling. Problematic gambling has been linked with increased delinquency, criminal behavior and the disruption of relationships with family, friends and other peers. Dr. Mark Griffiths told the audience at the CT Council’s Annual Conference that when it comes to young people gambling, the loss tends to be more related to time than money. This loss of time and preoccupation with gambling affects overall school performance and work activities. However, many times the loss of relationships also occurs. The Council’s own Teens Know Your Limits website (TKYL) is a great resource to help teach young people about responsible, legalized gambling. 

All in all, we wish everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday season. In support with The International Center for Youth Gambling Problems at McGill University (Canada), the National Council on problem Gambling (US) and the Massachusetts State Lottery, we ask you to help us lower the risk of children becoming problem gamblers and “Keep the fun in the holidays – don’t purchase lottery tickets as gifts for underage children!”

Gratitude

grat·i·tude  [grat-i-tood, -tyood]  noun

the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful: He expressed his gratitude to the staff. (dictionary.com)

Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of the Holiday Season. This season can be a stressful time, especially for those who are in recovery or for the loved ones of people in recovery. The season brings up many issues including: money, relationships and even, for some, an intensified loneliness. It’s important to remember during this time, just like the rest of the year – you are not alone. You are not alone in your struggle or your stresses. Thanksgiving is the time to start the season by reflecting on what you have and coming to the realization that it is enough; enough to push on through and enough to continue on your road to recovery, or to walk beside a loved one on their road.

Growing up, like most kids, I always wanted more and felt I never had enough. It seems to only be human nature to think this way. Through some hard times with friends and family, I was able to see that I always had what I needed – though it may not have always been what I wanted. That’s the funny thing about the words “want” and “need,” they tend to be interchanged easily to a fault of our own. As humans, having the ability to think and having free will takes away from having instincts to know what we need versus what we want. A way to change this mindset is to take a step back, take a breath and look at your life from the outside in. Look inward at how far you've come and all that you've accomplished during your struggles and always keep moving forward.

The Drug & Alcohol Rehab Asia  website has a great explanation of the important relationship between positive thinking and gratitude as a step in recovery, but is also helpful to anyone struggling. The site reads:

Positive thinking can greatly improve an in individual’s mental and physical health. It gives them energy and the confidence to do the things that will make their life better. Gratitude and positive thinking go hand in hand. In fact, it would not really be possible for people to experience much positivity if they are not happy with their life. If people feel grateful they will automatically be thinking positively.

Aspects of GA’s 12 steps, such as acceptance, admittance, humility, and amendments are all qualities of achieving and understanding gratitude. As Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More, expresses, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, confusion to clarity. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”     

The Council would like to extend their gratitude to all those that support and are part of our organization. Every person who passes through our doors, whether literally or through other ways of communication, helps to make us who we are and strengthen us as individuals and as an organization. Thank you.

We, at the Council,  wish you a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving.

If you are going to be alone on Thanksgiving, please remember most meetings are still in session. If you have a phone list for your meeting, please double check that your meeting is still happening. If not, or you are new to GA and Gam Anon, please call the GA Helpline at 888-GA-HELPS (888-424-3577) ; if you are in  Western Massachusetts, please call: (855) 222-5542.

Here is a list of Thursday meetings that have been cancelled for Thanksgiving Day:

Wilmington

Newton, Boston College

Boston (Mass Council location)

Here is a list of Thursday meetings that should be in session on Thanksgiving Day. If you have a phone list for your meeting, please double check that your meeting is still happening. If not, or you are new to GA and Gam Anon, please call the GA Helpline at 888-GA-HELPS (888-424-3577) ; if you are in  Western Massachusetts, please call: (855) 222-5542 :

First Church of Christ (Corner of Rt. 5 & Rt. 192) - 6:30-9:00 PM, Thursday
763 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106
Longmeadow, MA
Region: West
Gam-anon. Regular.

Eagles Club - 7:00 PM, Thursday
71 City Hall Ave., Gardner, MA 01440
Gardner, MA
Region: West
GA. Discussion Meeting.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Near Lowe's) - 7:30 PM, Thursday
389 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI 02886
Warwick, RI
Region: Rhode Island
Non-Smoking

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Near Lowe's) - 7:30 PM, Thursday
389 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI 02886
Warwick, RI
Region: Rhode Island
Gam-Anon

St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Near Apex) - 9:30-11:00 AM, Thursday
389 Greenwich Ave., Warwick, RI 02886
Warwick, RI
Region: Rhode Island
Non-Smoking

Hampstead Congregational Church (Rt. 121) - 7:30 PM, Thursday
61 Main Street, Hampstead, NH 03841
Hampstead, NH
Region: New Hampshire
Open meeting, no smoking

First Church Of Christ (Corner of Rte. 5 & Rte.192) - 10:00 AM, Thursday
763 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Longmeadow, MA
Region: West
GA

Plainville United Methodist Church (Intersection of Rt. 106 and Rt. 1A) - 7:30 PM, Thursday
16 E Bacon St., Plainville, MA 02762
Plainville, MA
Region: South East
Open Meeting; Non-smoking

Jordan Hospital (Exit 5 off Rt. 3), Boynton Conference Rm. - 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Thursday
275 Sandwich St., Plymouth, MA 02360
Plymouth, MA
Region: South East
GA, Open, Non-smoking, Intensive Step Meeting

United Memorial Methodist Church - 7:00 PM, Thursday
176 Somerset Avenue, Taunton, MA 02780
Taunton, MA
Region: South East
GA, Non-smoking

St. Joseph the Worker Church (Intersection of Rt. 14 and Rt. 58, across from police station) - 7:00 PM, Thursday
1 Maquan St., Hanson, MA 02341
Hanson, MA
Region: South East
GA, open-meeting, 

Christ the King Parish, Rt. 151 & Jobs Fishing Rd. - 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Thursday
5 Jobs Fishing Rd, Mashpee, MA 02649
Mashpee, MA
Region: Cape
GA; Regular; Non-Smoking

Fellowship and Understanding

by Sasha Russell, Program Specialist, Communications, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

On November 3^rd, several members of the Council attended the Mini-GA Conference in Brockton, MA.  This was a great way for a couple of the newer members to get acquainted with the people from GA and Gam Anon. By the Council taking part in these meetings; we are able to grow not only as an organization, but as individuals. Listening to participants and their stories helps to strengthen our bond, as everyone who attended would attest to.

Everyone felt the environment was very welcoming, as Program Specialist Amanda said. She enjoyed everyone’s willingness to chat and “just get to know one another.” In the first session Amanda attended, speakers discussed the importance of creating connections and friendship within the fellowship. The analogy of a tree’s root system was used, “If you have ever found yourself in the midst of a storm, you will certainly have noticed that some trees can weather it better than others.” That statement is symbolic of the importance of these connections and strong bonds that people make by being a part of the fellowship.  

 

The Council’s new Data and Research Director, Phil, comes to us from the lottery industry and his eyes were opened as he listened to people’s stories. As many people in the fellowship remarked, “We are not bad people, but sick people trying to get well. It is one day at a time and it may take the rest of our lives to do it.” Phil left with an even better understanding of not only GA and Gam Anon, but the responsibility and importance of the Council and its mission.

 

Program Specialist Rachel said that by listening to the “powerful and inspiration journeys, that were shared by so many, of how each has found and/or is finding a way over those hurdles to be happier, healthier, more fulfilling days, shows me the power of the principals of GA’s 12 steps.”

 

During the session entitled “Six Words,” Jim, Phil and I were moved by what we learned. Our Prevention and Recovery Consultant, Jim, has lived the past 28 years in recovery for drugs and alcohol, so having belonged to another 12 step fellowship, he was still unable to guess what six words would be the focus of the discussion. As it turns out the six words were: Courage, Wisdom, Serenity, Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness.  The first three are themes from the Serenity Prayer, and the last three come from HOW, which stands for “How It Works.” Coming from two different sides of the road to recovery, both Jim and I were impacted by our ability to identify with the words and the stories of the speakers. One man said, “I can’t do this by myself. Those are my six words, and I needed to have courage, wisdom, serenity, honesty, open-mindedness and willingness to admit that to myself.” I found that moment to be very powerful, as I looked around the room and noticed quite a few nods of agreement from the mixed crowd. Those are words that everyone could relate to, everyone in that room had their struggles, everyone in that room needed to be there and because they were there, know they are not alone and have someone or many someones by their side. As Jim said, “The inner struggle with addiction and the joys of recovery were the same.”

 

Communications Director, Margot, has been going to the Mini-Conference for many years. Every year she takes the knowledge that she learns from others and applies it not only to her work with the Council, but also in her personal life and relationships. While in the “Making Friends in the Program” workshop, one man talked about the want as a compulsive gambler to surround himself with other gamblers – to help him feel more “normal.” The same goes for him today, but now he surrounds himself with others who are in recovery. By doing this, he is able to build relationships which help him to be a better person. “Water always seeks its own level,” is how he described this process.  Margot understands this statement not only literally that “without other forces acting on water (such as wind) then the surface will be level. Water will fill whatever container it is in and the top of one side will be the same height as the top as the other;” but also the deeper metaphor behind it. Society has a way to equalize itself; “people tend to be drawn to others whose points of view, values and lifestyles are similar to our own. “

 

Overall, I think everyone who attended the conference would take away the same all-around theme and reasons as to why GA works for so many people. As Margot said, “Support, shared concerns, lifestyle changes and the positive “force” of friendship keep “the water” rising to its healthiest and most fulfilling level.”

 

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Underground Youth Football Gambling

by Sasha Russell, Program Specialist, Communications, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

 

Law enforcement agencies around the world were busy during the month of October, with heavy focus on illegal gambling rings. After long investigations, at least 130 people involved in major gambling rings in America, Israel and China were apprehended. Three were based online and the other covered three Southern Florida counties. While many times we discuss problem gambling in terms of personal well-being, it is also important to look at the impact gambling has on our community; especially illegal gambling. The pulling of lottery numbers in Massachusetts started as a game played in the underground. Looking at how far this state has come since then, it is interesting to see how illegal gambling has shaped our society.

ESPN uncovered the ring in Southern Florida after noticing the crowd at several South Florida Youth Football (SFYF) games seemed to become less family friendly as the day grew on. Many adult men filled the stands, openly exchanging money, even while local police were present. ESPN’s program On the Line (you can watch the full story here: OTL: Youth Sports Gambling Operation Busted) set up hidden cameras and worked with the local police to investigate the illegal gambling that was being practiced openly; even in front of local police officers. After 18 months, nine men were arrested. These men ranged from drug dealers to the league’s own coaches. The ringleader, Brandon Bivins, was the president of one of the SFYF’s most successful teams: Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes.

 

In light of this recent event, SFYF has issued an Anti-Gambling policy and has committed to forming the Stop Youth Gambling Task Force. Part of this initiative is to develop community-wide strategies to address gambling on youth sports by working in cooperation with local law enforcement, community organizations and concerned citizens. They also plan to launch an education campaign to “help parents understand how gambling, illegal recruiting and acceptance of payments” have negative consequences and can hurt their child’s future. Considering the league’s website states that the “sole purpose of the league is to benefit children” and with that, “assist in combating juvenile delinquency by providing and promoting the physical and emotional well being of young athletes,” the initiative is something that will hopefully turn not only the league, but the communities involved, around.

 

There are many social implications that will be affected by the halting of this illegal ring. Many people, parents and athletes alike, have grown to depend on the money being circulated as a result of how the teams perform. Those involved in the ring, such as Bivens, would pay off parents and athletes in exchange for having the child play on a particular team.  This is quite the opposite of the league’s mission. Instead of having guidance for the children of these impoverished neighborhoods to learn how to overcome the obstacles they may face in their lives, they are being given a short cut to disaster. According to ESPN’s report, this has been going on for years, and many former athletes have turned to a life of crime and remained involved in the illegal gambling activities. 

 

The Stop Youth Gambling Task Force does not have an easy road ahead of itself, and will hopefully not only keep a look out for illegal gambling, but also talk to the children and families about responsible gambling. Due to the heavy reliance on the payoffs from the illegal winnings, there would be no surprise if the ring began again once the smoke clears. Hopefully the parents and other role models of the communities will make educated decisions for themselves and their children, and the task force will stick to their word to ensure a safe place for children to convene and stay off the streets.  

 

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THE COUNCIL WELCOMES SASHA RUSSELL

Hi, I am Sasha. I have recently started working in the Council’s Communication Department.

I am so excited to be here, and happy to say that I have already begun diving right into the many upcoming projects and already attended my first conference– and it’s only Day 3!

 

I have my Master’s Degree in Applied Sociology, which I received from UMass Boston. I moved here after graduating with my Bachelor’s from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.

Compulsive Gambling is an issue that I have dealt with my whole life, though not as the gambler, but as a family member. Since I was young, my mom struggled with compulsive gambling. While she is currently in recovery, she has had a few relapses. It’s a battle that will never be gone from our lives, but I'm happy to be able to continue to help her, not just as her daughter but as a professional too. Many of my family members have struggled with substance abuse and gambling, both of which have helped carve the path my personal and professional life has taken.

I grew up in a small town, where many people don’t graduate high school, and if they do, they don’t always go on to or finish college. As I grew up, I watched a lot of family and friends get lost to drugs and alcohol. Always being so focused on that, it took me a long time to recognize and then cope with my mom being a compulsive gambler. I struggled with many of the decisions my friends and family members have made, and continue to make today – a key factor in my decision to move away from the area where I grew up, and remove myself those situations.

 
When I was in high school, I wanted to study World Religions in college. I went to a Catholic High School and thought that maybe religion would be a way to dissect why people make the decisions they do. It wasn’t until reaching college that I discovered Sociology and started being active in a couple different social action groups. Sociology has helped me to look at the world with open eyes, mind and heart.

Inspired by the struggles of my family and friends, my passion spread like a fire and I was determined to do work that was important to me and could help others in my situation. So, with a little hard work, and patience, I have finally found a place at the Mass Council.

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