Page 25 - Southern California Gaming Guide • March 2019

Did you know that San Diego County has more Native American casinos than any other county in the United States? Including the rest of Southern California, there are 28 Indian casinos that Southern Californian casino players have easy access to play in any day. We like to remind readers to be aware of your casino play, particularly this month.
house edge. In the long run you will lose your money faster and shorten your playing time.
♦ Consider any money you win as a bonus. When you win, be sure to take your winnings home instead of playing them all back.
♦ Gamble socially with family or friends and have fun playing side-by-side and not always alone.
♦ If you drink alcohol at the casino, be responsible when gambling. Limit your alcohol intake to be certain you’re in control of what you play and of your bet.
♦ Don’t borrow money to gamble. Don’t use a credit card at the casino. In fact, if you do, you are borrowing money to gamble — and always at a much higher percentage rate.
♦ Don’t gamble when you’re under stress—or when you feel lonely, angry, depressed, or in pain. Casino games are fun, but ultimately they won’t change these feelings — even if you win.
♦ Don’t chase your losses. If you’re having a losing day, chances are you will lose even more. Once your earmarked bankroll is gone, it’s time to do something different. Remember, only you can keep your play fun.
Every year in March, the National Council on Problem Gambling presents the National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. The campaign’s goal is to educate the general public, and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally.
Since the first issue of the Gaming GuideTM in February 2002, we have advocated Responsible Gaming on our pages with player tips and articles focused on keeping casino play fun. And we’ve featured a California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) pro bono advertisement to give readers information and encouragement about
seeking help for problem gambling. When playing at the casino stops being fun, it’s time to stop and get help. CCPG has resources available for gamblers that need assistance. Call for information at the statewide helpline
1-800-gambler (or text “support” to 53342), available 24/7/365, at no cost. CCPG provides confidential crisis intervention and referral services in English, Spanish and Chinese, with translation services available for more than 240 languages and tty for the hearing impaired. You can also chat with a counselor online at www.800gambler/chat.
At one point in America’s history, gambling was illegal or looked upon as socially unacceptable. But
today, gambling has become normal and accepted in our society: 83% of Americans gambled in the past year, and there is at least one form of legalized gambling available in 48 of the 50 states. Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicates that 2% to 3% of the U.S. population will have a gambling problem in any given year. That’s 6 to 9 million Americans, yet only a small percentage of those seek out the necessary services, including treatment and self-help recovery programs.
According to the California Council on Problem Gambling, problem gambling affects approximately 3.7% of California’s population — almost 1,000,000
adults. Gambling problems can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime – regardless of age, gender or race. There is hope and help for those who suffer from gambling problems.
Most players enjoy casinos without problems. But here are some reminders of how to keep your play fun at the casino:
♦ Take your casino betting money in cash. Earmark the money you spend at the casino—and are willing to lose—as the cost of your casino entertainment.
♦ Play only one slot at a time. Playing more than one slot machine just gives you more exposure to the
MARCH 2019
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
PAGE 25