In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court found the federal law prohibiting states from authorizing sports betting to be unconstitutional. It is now up to individual states to decide if they want to authorize and regulate sports betting.

One time of the year when sports betting peaks is during the college 'March Madness' men's basketball tournament.

Wi-problemgamblers.org Mission Statement The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling provides resources, public awareness, and education on gambling disorders while maintaining strict neutrality on the issue of legalized gambling. A single access point for those seeking help for a gambling problem – confidential, 24/7 Webinars Dec. 15: NCPG Webinar: Innovative Technology to Increase Access to Care for People with Gambling Problems.

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Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling, Rose Blozinski says March has been designated as Problem Gambling Awareness Month...

The NFL championship game this Sunday is also a day when gambling on the sport is at record levels. The leader of a group helping people with gambling addictions says be responsible in your betting.

Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling, Rose Blozinski, says the big game brings a person who is having trouble controlling their gambling to a potential crisis....

People working to help those with gambling problems are holding their annual conference in Sheboygan this week and a spokesperson says they want people to recognize when gambling becomes a problem.

March is problem gambling awareness month. Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling, Rose Blozinski details some warning signs....

A high-profile broadcaster is one of the keynote speakers as the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling is hosting it's 20th annual conference next month.

Spencer Christian guest hosted 'Good Morning America' and has been a weather forecaster and reporter and host of a Food Network program.

He also had a gambling problem...

Wi council on problem gambling

'...He will be talking about his own journey through gambling addiction and how he got into recovery. We're really interested and excited about hearing his story....'

The number of calls to a statewide problem gambling hotline rose last year and the amount of money people were behind also went up, according to a report issued Tuesday.

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling fields calls from people whose gambling habits are starting to negatively affect their lives.

Executive Director Rose Blozinski says the numbers are rising...

The holidays also present a time when an increasing number of young people are turning to sports gambling and that has raised red flags among addiction experts.

Rose Blozinski is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling.

She says more young people are at risk...

Two lottery jackpots have hit astounding levels.

The Mega Millions jackpot for Friday night will be in the range of $970 million, while Powerball is expected to be in the range of $430 million. The Milwaukee Brewers are playing for a chance to go to the World Series. The Packers are trying to again play to form. All these are examples of places where there is a lot of gambling going on, and an expert says be careful if you choose to take part in legal gambling.

Rose Blozinski is Executive Director of the Wisconsin Councilk on Problem Gambling says be cautious...

Wi Council On Problem Gambling Winnings

Several groups last Saturday began a drive to get people to think about saving the dollars they spend on gambling and put it in the bank.

Citzens Against Expanded Gambling spokesperson Lorrie Pickens says the groups asked businesses with lottery terminals to shut them off for the day.

They are also asking the public to take that money and open up a saving account...

The month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling.

Wi Council On Problem Gambling

In Wisconsin, the Council On Problem Gambling's Executive Director Rose Blozinski says March is picked as the month to raise awareness because people tend to gamble a bit more...

More than 12,000 calls game into a problem gambling hotline last year and a spokesperson says this time of the year is particularly bad for people with gambling addiction.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and other sources report 15 percent of Americans gamble at least once per week. About 2.5 million adults suffer from compulsive gambling, about 3 million are considered problem gamblers, around 15 million adults are under the risk of becoming problem gamblers.

A bill circulating in the legislature has troubled a group opposed to more gaming in Wisconsin.

They say the bill would be the largest increase in gambling in Wisconsin history.

Representative Tyler Vorpagel of Plymouth circulated a co-sponsorship memo for a bill proposing to legalize and regulate Daily Fantasy Sports games. The bill would legalize online gambling.

Lorrie Pickens from the group Citizens Against Expanded Gambling says there's no specific law making daily fantasy sports illegal, but says it might be circumventing long-held laws..

People who help those with problems related to gambling are gathering later this month for their annual meeting and a state leader says there are warning signs your gambling has become harmful.

Rose Gruber is Director of the Green Bay-based Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. They educate and promote understanding of problem gambling and the disorder of compulsive gambling. Gruber says it's estimated more than 330,000 people in Wisconsin have a gambling problem.

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She says there is a signal that a person's gambling habits have changed....

An anti- expanded gambling advocate says a potential Wisconsin legislative bill could put legal Internet gambling on every smartphone, which she says would be the largest expansion of gambling in state history.

Executive Director of Citizens Against Expanded Gambling, Lorri Pickens, says a similar bill died in the last legislature.

A group opposed to more legal gambling in Wisconsin is hosting a statewide tele-town hall Monday.

Citizens Against Expanded Gambling in Wisconsin will host the live event says spokesperson Lorrie Pickens to let the public hear that not everyone favors more gambling in Wisconsin. She says supporters talk about adding jobs and governments like the added revenue, but she says gambling offers a different kind of growth...

The number of people seeking help through a problem gambling hotline is holding at about the same number as one year ago.

Rose Gruber is Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council On Problem Gambling headquartered in Green Bay. The council began in 1993. People who find they might be spending more than they can afford call a toll-free number or go online to find help in quitting what is recognized as an addiction.

Gruber says a large number of calls continue to come in....

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Wi Council On Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting many Wisconsin residents of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. It is said to be a 'hidden addiction,' because unlike alcohol and drug abuse, most people don't see any of the symptoms. Problem gambling is treatable.

How to get help

Call 1-800-GAMBLE-5 (1-800-426-2535). Help is available 24/7. The call is free and confidential.

Frequently asked questions

What is problem gambling?

Wi Council On Problem Gambling Act

Problem gambling–or gambling addiction–includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. The essential features of problem gambling are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.

Isn't problem gambling just a financial problem?

No. Problem gambling is an emotional problem that has financial consequences. If you pay all of a problem gambler’s debts, the person will still be a problem gambler. The real problem is that they have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling

What kind of people become problem gamblers?

Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists.

How can a person be addicted to something that isn't a substance?

Although no substance is ingested, the problem gambler gets the same effect from gambling as someone else might get from taking a drug or drinking alcohol. The gambling alters the person’s mood and the gambler keeps repeating the behavior attempting to achieve that same effect. But just as tolerance develops to drugs or alcohol, the gambler finds that it takes more and more of the gambling experience to achieve the same emotional effect as before. This creates an increased craving for the activity and the gambler finds they have less and less ability to resist as the craving grows in intensity and frequency.

How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem?

The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the individual’s life.

Problem gambling screening tools

Wi Council On Problem Gambling

These tools will determine if there is a problem, but only a professional can diagnose if it is a gambling problem, a different problem, or both.

Have a conversation

Talking with someone about a potential gambling problem can be difficult. Choose the right moment, speak in a caring and understanding tone, and hear what he or she is saying.

  • Tell the person you care about him/her and you're concerned about how he/she is acting.
  • Tell him/her exactly what he/she has done that concerns you.
  • Tell him/her how his/her behavior is affecting other people. Be specific.
  • Be clear about what you expect from him/her ('I want you to talk to someone about your gambling.') and what he/she can expect from you ('I won't cover for you anymore.')
  • After you've told him/her what you've seen and how you feel, allow him/her to respond. Listen with a non-judgmental attitude.
  • Let him/her know you are willing to help, but don't try to counsel him/her yourself.
  • Give him/her information, not advice.
  • Encourage him/her to call Wisconsin's toll-free helpline: 1-800-GAMBLE-5 or 1-800-426-2535
Responsible gambling tips
  • Set limits on time and money
  • Never gamble when depressed or under stress
  • Keep gambling a social activity
  • Know risks before you bet
  • Never borrow to play
  • Gamble with money set aside for entertainment
  • Bet only what you can afford to lose
  • Don't chase your losses
  • Avoid mixing gambling with alcohol or other substances

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