Hoosiers Have Free Access To Problem Gambling Treatment Options

Regardless of whether you’re a casual bettor or not, adhering to responsible gambling practices is crucial. Given that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reassess your betting habits.

Addiction to gambling is prevalent across the US, but fortunately, there are treatment options available. While these options are specific to Indiana, it’s typical for other states to have similar programs to assist those who require help.

Dial the hotline for problem gambling.

The National Center For Responsible Gambling reports that approximately 1% of adults have a severe gambling problem.

However, not everyone is included in that number. After all, there are problems other than severe ones that exist.

Problematic gambling behavior can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep things under control, a helpful initial step could be reaching out to the problem gambling hotline.

Indiana’s official hotline can be reached by Hoosiers at 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-9-994-8448).

The hotline will link you to an individual who can guide you appropriately. Each person has unique needs based on their specific symptoms.

Take a self-assessment

Should you be unfamiliar with the indications of problem gambling, you may be uncertain about whether you have an issue.

Regardless, it is advisable to err on the side of caution when it comes to possible addiction. Undertaking a self-assessment in Indiana is an excellent step in this direction.

Self-assessments serve as a rapid test that asks a few questions about your behaviors. Based on your responses, the assessment might categorize you as an individual with potentially troublesome tendencies or not.

Based on this information, you can make a more informed decision about your next steps. This could involve seeking treatment, quitting gambling completely, or exploring a combination of other options.

Although self-assessments aren’t a foolproof method to diagnose a gambling problem, they are an excellent starting point if you suspect your gambling habits are becoming problematic.

Choosing to self-exclude from gambling in Indiana

If you’re battling tendencies towards problem gambling, voluntary exclusion is another effective method to maintain self-control. The program in Indiana is akin to those you might be familiar with in other states.

In the state of Indiana, voluntary exclusion is a self-enforced prohibition on gambling. This prohibition extends to the state’s casinos and online sportsbooks, allowing for a comprehensive restriction.

To sign up for voluntary exclusion, you must visit an official treatment provider in Indiana, or alternatively, you can visit the Indiana Gaming Commission office.

If you choose to voluntarily exclude yourself, the duration can range from one year to a lifetime, hence signing up is a significant decision to make.

Should the provided options not seem suitable, you are welcome to explore the comprehensive list of resources available in Indiana. Gambling addiction, a treatable condition, is something that Hoosiers can manage effectively with the help of numerous free resources. These resources can assist in addressing problematic behavior before it escalates.

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Jake Garza

Jake Garza is a US Gambling Industry Analyst at Catena Media, where he focuses on Midwest sports betting and casino content. Before he began reporting on the legal gambling sector, he was a professional sports journalist, covering teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Garza now serves as the Managing Editor at Play Indiana and PlayOhio, having formerly worked with other prominent brands including PlayIllinois and PlayMichigan. He has been closely following the gambling industry since 2019 and collaborates with a group of journalists to deliver extensive coverage of the legal U.S. gambling sector.

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