Responsible Giving

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











The 2013 holiday season marks the 6^th year of the National Council on Compulsive Gambling’s (NCPG) campaign to encourage people to give responsibly. Every year people in the field of problem gambling, as well as some state lotteries, come together to promote responsible gifting and encourage communities to not give lottery tickets to minors.

The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) unanimously approved a resolution encouraging participation in the Holiday Campaign. Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG stated, “The unanimous endorsement of the campaign by NASPL is a significant step that sends a strong signal across the entire gaming industry. We believe responsible gaming is a positive approach to minimizing gambling-related harm and therefore maximizing public benefit. We are proud to work with NASPL and look forward to additional partnership opportunities.”

For more information about the importance of gifting responsibly, please check out our blog from last year, “Give Responsibly. Lottery Tickets Aren’t Child’s Play.”

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!”

What the Council Gave Me

 

By Sean Crowley, Communications Intern, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I expected to make a positive impact while interning at a non-profit, and although I did, what the Council gave back to me was tremendous. Over the past four months interning at the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling I have worked with the most dedicated, caring people I have ever met. From day one in September, to my last in December, I have contributed all I can to the Council. Through that I gained experience and connections that I will take with me throughout my career.  

Interns always have this fear that they will be treated as free laborers and forced to make coffee runs for employees. Despite the stereotype, I was treated as an equal at the Council. I felt like I was one of their own from day one and was given challenging and engaging tasks. Over my tenure at the Council, I worked on the weekly e-newsletter, developed an intranet as part of my main internship project, and much more. 

 

The entire staff at the Council was always engaged and interested in the projects I worked on, especially the intranet. As a main internship project (that all interns do here), I developed an intranet to improve communication and collaboration within the organization. I believe the intranet will help the Council as they expand and continue to reduce the social, financial and emotional costs of problem gambling.

Along with the projects I worked on, I was included in all of the Council’s events. I had the privilege of going to the State House to attend the Council’s Legislative Briefing that was given to state representatives and various media outlets, about the gambling behaviors across the Commonwealth. In addition to professional events, I was also included in meetings, the Holiday Party, and other events.

The time went by fast, and I’ll miss everyone at the Council. I want to thank everyone here for an amazing four months. While I hope that my work made its mark, I feel selfish because of how much the Council did for me.

Coming SOON: Mass. Council PSA

By Thalia Yunen, Communications Intern, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Today is my last day as a Communications Intern for the Mass. Council. The last six months here have flown by way too quickly. I can’t say that I’m sad, because I’m actually happy! Not because I’m leaving, but because I feel as if I’ve used my time here wisely, and have learned a great deal about public relations. In this time, I’ve gotten the chance to work on some great projects, and have helped to facilitate internal and external communications at the Council while having the opportunity to participate in communications outreach.

In retrospect, I’ve really enjoyed responsibilities like managing our social media calendar, training on the helpline, researching and writing for the Council’s blog, as well as attending numerous brainstorming and branding meetings for upcoming projects. After working with the Communications Department for a few months, I knew that I wanted to contribute something to the Council before my internship was over. After a brainstorming session with members of the Council about how to improve our communications outreach and awareness of our helpline, we came up with the idea of making a public service announcement (PSA) that addresses the issue of gambling disorder. I knew this would be a great way to call attention to the issues surrounding problem gambling.

Immediately I thought to contact the Suffolk University Film Club to see if anyone would be interested in coordinating with me on this project. Seniors Grace Agosto and Hannah Tavares immediately showed interest in the project. I imagined the video centering on a father/son relationship, when I followed up with Grace I found we were both on the same page. Grace thought of the central theme for the PSA, “There are games you shouldn’t miss.”

was a relatively easy creative process, although when making films there is much to account for: script, casting, location, equipment, etc. Council Senior Director of Programs and Services, Victor Ortiz, suggested we make the PSA in both English and Spanish. I thought this was an excellent idea. Actually – that’s an understatement. It was thrilling to think about producing a video in both languages. From there, Grace and I discussed a possible voiceover component to the video, so that when the filming and editing process was done, we could end up with two videos: one in English and Spanish.

We filmed the PSA on the weekend of November 22, one of the coldest weekends of the Fall! The weather was not cooperating with our vision, it was very windy and even too sunny. Despite the weather, our 13-year-old actor, Jorge Martinez, was a trooper. He plowed through the scenes with the icy wind in his face, and with curious people watching.

You can expect to view the PSA by the end of this year, along with an in-depth interview with Grace and Hannah. Keep checking our social media accounts for updates. If you don’t already, “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter: MassCouncilCG,

I personally hope that with the production of this PSA and after interning here for six months, that my contributions will be felt. If only one person looks at this public service announcement or sees any of our communications materials and feels compelled to seek help by reaching out to the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, then I will be content.

Being Thankful is Good for Your Health

By Sasha C. Russell, Program Specialist – Communications, The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

 

Last week, our Communications Intern, Thalia Yunen, discussed ways to be happy in recovery. One way to be happy and to keep a positive attitude is by recognizing all that you have. Sometimes people who are struggling with gambling and with being in recovery, or those whose family members are impacted by the disorder, can start focusing on losses, and in turn, lose sight of what they have right in front of them.

The article “A Dose of Gratitude: How Being Thankful Can Keep You Healthy” by Robin Madell, says that studies done on the topic of positive psychology have shown that people who are aware and thankful for what they have tend to:

·         take better care of themselves physically and mentally,

·         engage in more protective health behaviors and maintenance,

·         get more regular exercise,

·         eat a healthier diet,

·         have improved mental alertness,

·         schedule regular physical examinations with their doctor,

·         cope better with stress and daily challenges,

·         feel happier and more optimistic,

·         avoid problematic physical symptoms,

·         have stronger immune systems, and

·         maintain a brighter view of the future.

Though most people tend to focus expressing their gratitude during the month of November, it’s important that we remain thankful year-round to really understand and receive the full benefits that gratitude can offer. Madell offers four suggestions on how to maintain gratitude in November and beyond.

·         Focus Attention Outward: As the article states, “paying more attention to what’s happening around us versus inside of us can make all the difference in how we feel.”

·         Be Mindful of What You Have: The focus here should not be on what we don’t have, but what we do have. For example, having the latest material items such as TVs, cars, clothes, and electronic devices, aren’t going to help you on your recovery journey. What will help you, is having a support system, be it family, friends, or even your local 12-step group.

·         Keep a Gratitude Journal: This is something that I have decided to start doing myself. Though I don’t always remember to write down what I am thankful for, I make a point each night to think about at least one thing that I feel grateful for. In some cases this process has caused me to go back to focusing my attention outward by reaching out to friends, old and new; family; and acquaintances to let them know they’re appreciated. Sometimes it’s because of something they did for me, and other times I want them to know I appreciate them just for existing. Doing this has helped me to reconnect with some people, and build stronger relationships with others.

·         Reframe Situations as Positive: Everyone’s life experience is different. The more you continue to let yourself be bogged down by unrealistic expectations and negative thinking, the harder it will be to feel better about yourself and your life. Personally, I try to make a point to find at least one positive point to every negative situation I find myself in. Many times the positives are hard to see, but keep looking – as they say, under every rain cloud is a silver lining.  

We recognize that expressing gratitude doesn’t erase problems, but, it can aid in helping you feel better about a situation that is bringing you down. If you or a loved one are experiencing struggles with gambling, and having trouble finding your silver lining, don’t hesitate to call our 24/7 helpline: 800.426.1234. We understand the problem. We can help.

How to be Happy in Recovery

By Thalia Yunen, Communications Intern, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Each individual’s recovery journey, while having some similarities, is a unique experience. Sometimes people may be afraid to start the journey because they attach the feeling of happiness to their addiction. It’s important that people understand that being in recovery does not mean you’ll never experience happiness again. Mahatma Gandhi, purveyor of non-violent civil disobedience and influential man overall, once said “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

Happiness seems to be the most persistent mirage in the history of human kind. We all pursue it. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that 1 in 10 Americans report themselves as having experienced depression. Research also suggests that out of those diagnosed with a gambling disorder, 73% had an alcohol disorder, 38% had a drug use disorder, and nearly 50% had a mood disorder, like depression or bipolarity. We understand that sometimes being happy can be harder than an attitude adjustment, and sometimes may include needing counselling or medication, however, positive thinking is still very powerful and can go a long way.

Here are some things you can keep in mind, based off of an article by Linda Kelsey which was featured in the United Kingdom’s Daily Mail, “12 Secrets of Being Happy, Using Research from 100 World Experts, a New Book Shows How to Look on the Bright Side.”

1.       Live in the moment. We invest so much of ourselves in the future. We think, “when I lose weight I will be happy,” or “when I make ‘this much’ money, I’ll be even happier.” Goals are great to have, but don’t base your happiness off of the future – as it hasn’t happened yet. If you base your happiness on solely on what’s to come, you run the risk of being let down. You may even start to notice a pattern: once you get something - you want something else, and you’ll always trick yourself into believing that your next move will make you happiest. 
2.       Don’t compare yourself to others. We compare ourselves to others because it gives us cues as to where we should be in life. Everyone does it, but comparing yourself to the point of making yourself feel inadequate can be unhealthy, and can cause you to fall into negative thinking patterns. 
3.       Acceptance. We often don’t accept ourselves because of criticisms that are handed to us, sometimes by those closest, and other times by society in general. Other times we don’t accept ourselves because we feel like never accepting our current state will push us to work harder. Whatever the reason, make sure to set realistic goals for yourself. This way you can gradually get the results you’d like without rejecting your entire self. Don’t confuse self-motivations with denial of the self. 
4.       Stay busy. Many people see gambling as a hobby, and do it for social reasons, causing them to think they may not be able to have fun without gambling. It’s important to keep in mind that you can still be productive and social without gambling. There are plenty of hobbies and activities you can take part in that will help to keep you from sitting at home and living in negative head space. A study done by the National Center of Biotechnology Information called “Idleness Aversion and the Need for Justifiable Business” suggests that people actually like to be busy as long as they’re using their time effectively. 
5.       Stop worrying, think positively.  I’m going to fail. I don’t look good. I’m having a bad day. I’m worthless. I can’t do this. Negative thoughts breed negative actions. If you constantly re-orient your mind to think positively, you won’t have time to worry or think “what if?” 
6.       Don’t run from sadness. It is important to work on your happiness, but make sure to be authentic in your emotional journey to be happy. This means recognizing when you’re sad and allowing yourself to feel distressing emotions. Don’t seek to replace your emotions or bury them. 
7.       Nurture your relationships. A sociology professor once told me, “There is no such thing as Tarzan, a man who is raised my animals. Human beings cannot survive without each other. In fact, we out of all animals, appear to need the longest period of nurturing.” This is something to keep in mind when you’re thinking about the kinds of relationships you have in your life. Relationships based on trust, support and love for example, could yield you a lot of happiness. 
8.       Be okay with things not going your way. Happy people are flexible. They know how to bounce back when things don’t go their way. 
9.       Body, Mind, Spirit. You don’t have to be a runner to take care of your body, just as you don’t have to practice a religion in order to be spiritually connected with yourself. Taking time for yourself is important, the amount of time is entirely your prerogative - be it 30 minutes a week or an hour per day. Nurture your body, mind, and spirit, to find yourself a lot calmer, and a lot more level-headed. Here’s a list of 55 ways to take care of yourself when in the midst of life’s chaos.

The working definition of recovery according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA), is, “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” They also offer other characteristics of happiness in recovery here.

While a positive attitude certainly doesn’t hurt, sometimes professional help is needed. Don’t be ashamed if you feel this way, as you are not alone.  According to an article from Psych Central, for over three decades, scientists have attributed a chemical imbalance in the brain as a major source of depression. In other words, while self-help is important, going to your doctor to discuss your health and happiness is important, as they may see something that you don’t.

If you’re in recovery and find that you’re feelings of unhappiness are persistent, call our 24/7 helpline at 800.426.1234.

If you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself, don’t hesitate to call our partners at Samaritans:

Samaritans Statewide Toll-Free - 877.870.4673

Samariteens – 800.252.8336

Samaritans 24 hour Helplines – 617.247.0220, 508.875.4500

Forum on Responsible Gambling

by Sasha C. Russell, Program Specialists – Communications, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Panelists Dr. Rachel Volberg (left), Principal Investigator on the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s (MCG) Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study and Keith Whyte (middle), Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, pose for a picture with MCG’s Director of Research and Problem Gambling, Mark Vander Linden (right).

On Monday, October 28^th, the Council collaborated with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MCG) to host the Forum on Responsible Gaming at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

There are numerous provisions in the Expanded Gaming Act to mitigate harm which may occur through the introduction of casinos and slot parlors. One such provision is for the Commission to adopt a Massachusetts Responsible Gaming framework that will guide the development of regulation and assist gaming operators in establishing a site-based responsible gambling program.

This forum was solely dedicated to the topic of responsible gambling. The goal was to provide the Commissioners and the community with an understanding of the basic concepts of responsible gambling. Information and research on elements and characteristics of a responsible gaming program were discussed amongst a panel of experts.  

Mark Vander Linden, MCG Director of Research and Problem Gambling, welcomed the Commissioners and attendees to the forum. He clarified that the purpose of the forum was to shape a document, Commission policy, and to assist the gaming industry in developing what processes they need to implement in order to mitigate problem gaming. Responsible gambling is woven into the statute, and therefore, it is important that the time is taken to fully comprehend all that it means.

MCG Chairman, Stephen P. Crosby, explained that because of the statute, along with an industry-wide recognition of the importance of responsible gambling best practices to mitigate the potential negative effects of expanded gambling, they created the position that Vander Linden now holds. In addition, they sought out a research team to take a deep data-driven look into the social and economic impact of gambling in the Commonwealth. Panelist, Dr. Rachel Volberg, is the Principal Investigator for this study.

Warner talked on problem gambling as a public health concern for Massachusetts. She expressed the importance of the Council’s neutral stand point when it comes to legalized gambling in the Commonwealth, and also noted that problem gambling as a public health concern requires several things in order to be successful in the future. One critical component is consensus regarding parameters. She stated, “Consensus regarding parameters is just one thing that we are here to discuss today, but the questions are so large that it is just the tip of the iceberg—the who in terms of responsibility and involvement is very unclear, as well as the question of who efforts are focused on (most severe or those with possibility of problem), the what and how is quite debatable as you’ll hear this afternoon, and the why and where, while seem clear at very first glance, are hard to distinguish. Are we worried about incidence or prevalence, prevention or treatment, and do we worry about Mass. residents that gamble in Mass, or do we care or worry if they gamble in other New England states, and how about the people from other places that gamble here and then leave?” 

Warner was followed by,

·       Dr. Howard Shaffer, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School and Director of the Division on Addiction, discussed responsible gambling: from concept to practice,

·       David O. Stewart, Counsel, Ropes and Gray, and legal and regulatory advisor to the American Gaming Association (AGA), talked about the origins of the American Gaming Association (AGA) Code of Conduct & an industry perspective on responsible gambling governmental regulation, and

·       Keith Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), discussed the unique position Massachusetts is in to design model standards & a national call to action.

Stewart confirmed the industry’s awareness, "We didn't get into responsible gambling because we had to. We did it because it's the right thing to do." 

Dr. Jeffrey Marotta, Clinical Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Science University, and President/Senior Consultant, Problem Gambling Solutions, moderated the afternoon panel discussion. Marotta opened the discussion with an overview on example responsible gambling frameworks.

The panel included:

·       Dr. Natasha Dow Schull, Associate Professor, Program on Science, Technology, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of Addiction by Design, presented on technological design features of gaming machines,

·       Marotta followed Schull’s discussion by discussing advertising and marketing practices in terms of responsible gambling,

·       Dr. Lia Nower, Director of Gambling Studies, Rutgers University, spoke on player information/informed decision making,

·       Dr. Robert Ladouceur, Professor Emeritus, Laval University, centered his conversation on pre-commitment - before engaging in gambling activities, people would be able to set a limit to how much they will gamble,

·       Whyte talked about play tracking with behavior analytics,

·       Dr. Debi LaPante, Director of Research and Academic Affairs, Division on Addiction, discussed responsible gambling strategies regarding casino employee training,

·       Ladouceur presented on self-exclusion Programs: a step in the right direction,

·       Nower focused on self-exclusion: legal and policy considerations,

·       Warner talked about the importance of on-site counseling space & collaborations, and

·       Volberg noted the importance of evaluating responsible gambling efforts.

The forum concluded with a discussion between the Commissioners and Experts, which allowed questions and concerns to be raised. Chairman Crosby asked, “How do we come up with best practices now that we have all of this information?”

Whyte responded by reiterating the importance of strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the Mass. Council and the NCPG, as well as researchers, providers, and people affected by gambling problems. In addition, he said that MCG and partners should keep in mind the regulatory statutes as guiding principles when developing best practices in regards to responsible gambling.

Nower advised the Commissioners to pick one issue and create a working group. Once that issue is resolved, move on to the next.

The Forum was filled with helpful information, and was the promising start to creating responsible gambling standards that will be successfully implemented before the casinos break ground.