Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (DCGP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) health agency founded in 1979 to provide programs and services for problem gamblers and their families. We’re made up of caring individuals who have real, firsthand experience with problem gambling. The mission of the DCGP is to raise public awareness that problem gambling disorders are treatable and to facilitate the development of a network of services for problem gamblers and their families.
About Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
Mission: The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (DCGP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) health agency founded in 1979 to provide programs and services for problem gamblers and their families. We’re made up of caring individuals who have real, firsthand experience with problem gambling. The mission of the DCGP is to raise public awareness that problem gambling disorders are treatable and to facilitate the development of a network of services for problem gamblers and their families.
Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc. Celebrates
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month
March has been designated as Problem Gambling Awareness Month by The National Council on Problem Gambling. The goal of this grassroots campaign is to educate the general public and community health care providers about the warning signs and dangers of “problem gambling,”-gambling addiction- and to raise awareness that help is available to problem gamblers, their loved ones, and all those who suffer the negative consequences of gambling addiction. This is also a time to celebrate the thousands of courageous individuals who have sought treatment and confronted the financial and emotional devastation caused by gambling addiction.
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems is the statewide premier advocate that provides programs and services designed to assist problem gamblers and their loved ones to heal from the throws of gambling addiction. Our single mission is devoted to problem gamblers, their families and friends -to raise awareness that “problem gambling” is a treatable brain disorder. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems facilitates the development of a network to combat gambling addiction and provides public education, referrals to out-patient treatment, advocacy, prevention services (youth & adult), professional training and screening to identify gambling addiction.
Research finds that 15-25 percent of American adults and adolescents have either problem or pathological gambling issues and the numbers are rising rapidly, especially with the legalization of “sports betting.” The most devastating impact of problem gambling is among youth, with the advent of video gaming.
Over the last 3 years, the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems has screened more than 5,000 Delaware individuals for potential gambling addiction. Our research finds that more than 60% of Delaware substance abusers are impacted by gambling, 30% by their own gambling and 30% by gambling activities of family members and friends.
Yet only a small fraction of these individuals is aware that services, such as treatment and self-help recovery opportunities are available. There is relief for those who suffer from gambling addiction.
Gambling becomes a serious problem when you can’t stop. A problem gambler loses control and cannot stick to limits, even when gambling causes serious financial, family, employment and other hardships, just like all other addictions. Some signs of a gambling addiction include:
· Lying to loved ones about losses and focusing on wins
· Being obsessed with the thought of gambling
· Gambling more and more money, more often, over time
· Begging, stealing, borrowing money to pay off gambling debts
· Losing interest in other activities
Please participate in celebrating NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH by sharing our helpline phone number, 888-850-8888 (Se Habla Español) and spreading the word, that there is hope and relief for those who suffer the consequences of "problem gambling."
Our services are free of charge and strictly confidential. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc. does not take a position on legalized gambling. We are gambling neutral.
County Served: Kent; New Castle; Sussex
Office Location(s): Georgetown; Wilmington
Sector: Healthcare; Human Services; Seniors; Substance Abuse Prevention; Youth Development