Let’s Talk About Gambling

• What is the history of gambling in the United States and Oregon?

• How big is gambling?• What are types of lawful or charitable gambling?• Define common gambling terms.• What are the positive and negative effects of

gambling in Oregon and in local communities?• What are signs of compulsive gambling behavior?• How does participation in gambling activities relate to

family situations?• To gamble or not to gamble, that is the question?

The History of GamblingGambling has been around a long time. Our modern dice and playing cards can be traced back to primitive people whocast bones or sticks into the air.

Two of the primary forms of gambling throughout history have been racing and lotteries. • Horse racing has its roots in the chariot

races of Rome.• The first state run lottery took place in Genoa,

in 1515 or about the time Martin Luther was protesting the church’s sins.• Horse racing in America began in New York in 1665.

Lawful Gambling• In 1984, Oregon voters authorize a state-run

lottery. Scratch off tickets were introduced in 1985.

• In 1989, Oregon becomes the only state to offer sports betting with the Sports Action Lottery.

• In 1991, Oregon becomes the first state to offer Keno games every five minutes.

• In 1992, Video Lottery is legalized. Net revenues as of 2001 were over 3 Billion dollars.

• In 1994, the first Native American casino opens in Oregon.

• In 2003, Monday Night Football scratch offtickets are offered.

Minimum Ages to Gamble

• 18 years old - Charitable bingo and pull tabs, pari-mutel betting (e.g. race track).

• Also 18 years old – Lottery, bingo and blackjack.

• 21 years old – Video lottery andtribal casinos.

Gambling Myths

Myth: Problem gambling is easy to recognize.

Reality: Problem gambling has been called the hidden addiction. Gambling is easy to hide. Many

problem gamblers often engage in self-denial.

Other Gambling MythsMyth: I’d have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.Reality: If gambling causes a person psycho-

logical, financial, emotional, marital, legal or other difficulties then they have a

problem.Myth: Gambling isn’t a problem if you can

afford it.Reality: Problems caused by excessivegambling aren’t just financial.

It can lead to relationshipbreakdown and loss of important friendships.

More Myths . . . Myth: All problem gamblers are irresponsible.Reality: Many problem gamblers hold, or have held responsible community positions. In addition, even people with a long history of responsible behavior are vulnerable to developing a gambling problem.Myth: People my age are not affected by problem gambling.Reality: About 10 to 15 percent of American youth have experienced gambling related problems. Children of problem gamblers are at higher risk of developing health threatening behaviors.

Definition of GamblingWebster’s defines gambling as:A. To bet on an uncertain outcome,as of contest. B. To play a game of chance. To take a chance: speculate. 3. Toexpose to risk: venture.

Problem gambling is defined as: “Gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational”. (National Council on Problem Gambling)

Gambling In Oregon

• More than 60,000 Oregon adults are believed to meet the criteria of a problem gambler.

• One in every 25 Oregon teens is a problem gambler – that’s more than 10,000 Oregon teens!

• One in 10 teens is an “at-risk” gambler (he or she may be moving towards agambling problem).

• Two-thirds of teens gamble atleast once a year.

Gambling History inthe United States

• Lotteries were used to pay war debts and build public works. They were used in Jamestown as early as 1612 and helped raise the Colonial Army in 1775.

• Ivy league colleges were built with the help of lottery dollars.

• George Washington personally signed batches of lottery tickets.

• Eventually, scandal, bribery of legislators and corruption led to constitutional prohibitions in 36 states.

Gambling Historyin Oregon

• In Oregon, the current gambling cycle began in 1933. The Oregon Racing Commission was established, and monitored greyhound racing in the state.

• Oregon is currently among states with the top gambling revenues, and is a leader in types and

availability of gambling.

What Problem Gamblers Had to Say in 2002

• 10% considered committing suicide.• 24% reported their gambling cost

them a marriage or significant relationship.

• 15% lost their jobs due to gambling.• 40% committed crimes to finance

their gambling.

Spending Habits

• In 2004, Oregonians spent $1.277 billion on all forms of gambling, equaling $357 per capita. (ECO Northwest, 2006)

• During fiscal year 2006, Lottery sales in Oregon were $1.1 billion. (Oregon Lottery, 2006)

• Consumers spend more on legal gaming in the United States than most other forms of entertainment combined. (“1998 Gross Annual Wager Report, 1999)

To Gamble or Not To Gamble

Positive Effects• Casinos provide

employment and increased income for Native Americans.

• Gaming is recreation. • Gaming provides

social activities.• Money generated in

Oregon helps fund education and other community programs.

To Gamble or Not to Gamble

Negative Effects• Gambling takes time and

money away from family.• Loss of trust.• Need for $ leads to debt,

theft, fraud, etc. • Addictive• Work or school may

suffer due to gambling.• Children feel neglected

due to parent’s gambling.

Gambling Words Decoded

Casino: A gambling facility that normally includes some combination of slot machines, video games, card games and other games.

Charitable Gaming or Lawful Gaming:

Games run by non-profit groups under state regulation, such as tabs, bingo and raffles.

More Decoded WordsCompulsiveOr AddictiveGambling:

The inability to resist impulses to gamble, resulting in damage to one’s personal life, family or job.

Craps:

The most popular dice game in the world.

Keno: A game in which players pick numbers out of a grid and can choose their own odds and payoff.

A Few More Words . . .

Lotto: A form of lottery. Jackpots are very large, often pooled across states, and increase daily until winning numbers are drawn.

Video Lottery Terminal:

Electronic games played on a video screen, typically poker, keno, blackjack or slots.

Getting Help in Jackson County

Treatment is free for gamblers and loved ones!

You can speak to your counselor or teacher for more information.

Local Treatment Providers:Addictions Recovery Center

On Track

1-877-2-STOP-NOWHelpline, available 24 hrs, everyday