Problem Gamblers Awareness Day: September 29

What: Problem Gamblers Awareness Day

When: 10 a.m., Thursday, September 29

Where: Capitol steps in Salem

On July 20, 1995, Robert “Bobby” Hafemann took his own life. He left behind a family full of grief, sadness, and a lot of questions. His sister, Ronda Hatefi, became increasingly bothered by something Bobby had said in the note he left behind. He wrote he “felt like a ghost.” Many problem gamblers voice a similar statement. In 1995 there were not a lot of places for a problem gambler to go. Since his death, treatment and outreach for gambling has grown.

In the forefront of the movement to bring awareness to the public is Ronda Hatefi. She is the founder of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization (OGAO). Her hope is to strengthen the message that “gambling can become an addiction and if it does, there is hope and help.” She does not want another family to suffer the devastation of gambling that has impacted hers.

Each year since Bobby’s death, she has petitioned the Oregon Governor to proclaim September 29 as Problem Gamblers Awareness Day. For 15 years her request has been honored and, by doing so, Bobby's life has been honored. It is the anniversary of his birth. His death has become a day of hope for those hurting and suffering in silence the pains of gambling.

10:00 am on the state capitol steps -- read the rest of the news release here

2011 Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Awards - Lane County

Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search 2011 - Top Posters

View more presentations from Lane County Prevention Program

Around the state in Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week

In the previous post, we shared some news stories from Problem Gambling Awareness Week. Here are some other stories from around Oregon.

• Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week: KOBI-TV Interview with Amanda Krug & Ed Burns, March 8, 2011
• "Preventing & Treating Gambling Addictions," Lincoln County Commission on Children & Families, March 8, 2011

Was there something else going on in your community that we missed? Let us know!

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Some stories around the state for Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 6-12:

"Problem Gambling Awareness Week: Know the Risks" (Keith Walker, LaGrande Observer, 3/9/11)

Video from KVAL-TV news story, 3/10/11 (or read the story here)

More stories and information about Problem Gambling Awareness Week is at the Oregon Problem Gambling Services' prevention website, http://www.problemgamblingprevention/opgaw.htm

Oregon students honored for artwork focused on problem gambling

Statesman-Journal

July 1, 2009

Area students won awards and honorable mentions in the 2009 Marion County Problem

Gambling Art Awards competition.

The sixth annual art search is conducted in partnership with local problem gambling prevention and outreach coordinators. The top artistic designs are chosen for next year's Oregon Department of Human Services calendar, which is designed to increase awareness of problem gambling. Each county can have two winners on the calendar, which is distributed statewide.

About 277 entries were submitted this year from middle school students throughout Marion County. Student art from Jefferson Middle School, Cascade Junior High School and Mount Angel Middle School ranked in the top 10.

[Click here to read the full article.]

Updated Problem Gambling Services Budget Info

Frequently asked questions, including fact sheets & legislative information, are regularly updated at: http://lanecounty.org/prevention/pgs

National Problem Gambling Awareness Week Channel on YouTube

Videos for National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW), March 1-7, 2009, have been placed on the NPGAW 2009 YouTube channel to increase awareness about hope & help for problem gambling. Check it out!

Bus Ads: In Action & On the Go

More sightings of the latest bus ad installment, "Lost to Addiction." There is Hope and Help.

At the Lane County Bus Station:



By the Lane County Courthouse:

9/29/08 | Problem Gamblers Awareness Day

For Immediate Release 09/29/08
Bus Ads to Raise Awareness of "Hope and Help" for Problem Gamblers

Contacts: Julie Hynes, Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention coordinator, 682-3928, julie.hynes@co.lane.or.us; Ronda Hatefi, Oregonians for Problem Gambling Awareness Organization founder, 541-688-7101, ogao.ronda@gmail.com

Thirteen years ago, Ronda Hatefi’s brother Bobby Hafemann took his life. Bobby suffered with a gambling addiction that his family knew about, but had few resources to help during a time when not much help was available in the state of Oregon. Bobby was only 28 years old.

To commemorate Bobby’s life and raise awareness about the availability of "Hope and Help" for problem gamblers and their loved ones, Lane County Health and Human Services and Oregonians for Problem Gambling Awareness Organization have partnered to place "Lost to Addiction " ads on Lane County buses beginning today, Sept. 29 – Bobby’s birthday. The ads will run through the month of October.

Hatefi, chair of the Lane County Problem Gambling Advisory Committee and Executive Director of Oregonians for Gambling Awareness Organization, wants to let people know that there is hope and help for problem gamblers in Oregon – and that the help is free and confidential.

Julie Hynes, Lane County’s Problem Gambling Prevention coordinator, said the ads are meant to honor Bobby’s life while presenting a message of hope and help.

"This is a reminder that there now is help and hope for people and their loved ones who are dealing with gambling problems," Hynes said. "Help is available – and it’s right here in Lane County at the Emergence Gambling Treatment Program."

While the majority of people gamble with few or no adverse consequences, the rate of problem gambling has risen as gambling opportunities have become more available. Research shows that about 80,000 Oregonians experience problems with gambling. Consequences of problem gambling include more than just debt; families and jobs are often lost, and depression and alcohol or drug abuse is quite common among problem gamblers. In Oregon’s gambling treatment programs this year, one in five problem gamblers said they had suicidal thoughts, and seven percent made an attempt on their lives in the six months leading up to treatment. About one in five problem gamblers in Oregon said they committed crimes to obtain gambling money.

Thirteen years ago, Bobby Hafemann and other problem gamblers had few resources to help with gambling problems. Hatefi knows there are people who continue to need the help, but are unaware that it is available. Fortunately, more people in Oregon are seeking help for gambling problems than ever before. Getting help early is key to saving lives and avoiding the pain that Bobby Hafemann's family knows too well.

Hatefi said of her efforts,"I know that many family members feel alone and helpless against this addiction, I want them to know that help is available for them too. The best way to help someone you love is to become educated about the addiction. My motto has not changed in thirteen years: No Problem Gambler Stands Alone."

Anyone concerned about his or her own gambling, or a loved one's gambling problem, can get free help by calling the 24-hour problem gambling Help Line, housed at the Emergence Gambling Treatment Program in Eugene, at 1.877.MY.LIMIT (877-695-4648), or by going online at 1877mylimit.org. People can get more information about problem gambling at Lane County's problem gambling prevention website, www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling.

The "Lost to Addiction" ad, a reminder of Bobby Hafemann’s life and that there is "Hope and Help," will appear on five LTD buses through the month of October. The ads were designed by Problem Gambling Advisory Committee member and artist Michel Savage.

###

New Site Includes "Videos to Beat the Odds"

The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Problem Gambling Program has a new site, BeatTheBet.com. The program also created the Videos to Beat the Odds competition to address the issue of teen problem gambling.

Some of Oregon Problem Gambling Services' regional prevention coordinators have been discussing the potential to offer a "video search" component in 2009 for the annual Oregon Problem Gambling Awareness Week. For six years, the state has been coordinating problem gambling awareness "art searches" (a.k.a. poster contests), in middle schools throughout Oregon. This next year may be an opportunity to expand the searches to high schools with a multimedia approach.

Take a look at the Minnesota high school student videos featured online at http://www.beatthebet.com/hs_FilmContestResults.asp.

What are your thoughts, or previous experiences, with this sort of awareness effort? Share your comments below.

New outreach materials

With the help of Oregon Problem Gambling Services, the Oregon Lottery has recently produced new materials that promote the 24-hour 1877-my-limit help line number, as well as the online helpline website, 1877mylimit.org.

Posters, business cards and brochures have recently been sent to Oregon's state-funded prevention and outreach contact persons, and more can be ordered from Oregon Problem Gambling Services as needed. PGS encourages prevention & outreach coordinators to get the word out by sharing these materials with partners, placing materials in a variety of visible locations, and used in outreach efforts.

If you are not part of a state-funded program, but would like to spread the word, please contact Wendy Hausotter know and PGS will send you a supply of these materials.

ADAPT Problem Gambling PSAs

Thanks to Pauline Martel & ADAPT for sharing these videos.






Comments?

Overall youth gambling down, but Internet's lure draws concern, DHS reports

Oregon DHS News Release, 5/29/08

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286
Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Overall youth gambling down, but Internet's lure draws concern, DHS reports

One of every 20 Oregon adolescents may be a problem or at-risk gambler and many youngsters are being drawn to free gambling-type games on the Internet, according to a recent study sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

The study findings, which are in a report titled "Oregon Youth and Their Parents: Gambling and Problem Gambling Prevalence and Attitudes," will be used to refine and develop Oregon's model problem gambling prevention programs.

Oregon's techno-savvy youth indicate that they're gambling for free on the Internet. Many are playing less poker, which used to be the number one gambling activity among youngsters.

"The emergence of free gambling on the Internet is no surprise, but is of real concern," said Paul D. Potter, DHS problem gambling services manager. "Ads for online games pop up, and kids think that if money's not involved there's no risk.

"Kids don't realize they're being primed to play for money later, which is illegal. They can also become a victim of identity theft," he said. "Parents need to be vigilant about their kids' Internet use."

Despite the increase in Internet play, gambling among Oregon 12- to 17-year-olds has declined significantly in the past decade, primarily due to a change in attitudes about young people and gambling.

"When parents learn more about the potential risks of youth gambling, they do a better job of helping their kids make different choices about using their leisure time," said Potter. "Our statewide and local prevention and awareness efforts are paying off, especially when you realize that during the same decade opportunities to gamble have increased."

Potter said Oregon's awareness-raising job isn't finished, because the survey shows that despite evidence to the contrary, most parents and kids still don't see gambling as a behavior that can lead to serious problems, even addiction.

In the past 10 years the number of youths playing the Lottery has declined 80 percent. Potter praised the vigilance of casinos and the Oregon Lottery in helping to reduce underage gambling.

"Selling to anyone under the age of 18 is a violation of a retailer's contract with the Lottery and could put the business's ability to sell our games in jeopardy," said Carole Hardy, Oregon Lottery assistant director for marketing. "We are diligent about providing our retailers with training about the perils of underage play and other responsible selling programs."

According to the study, parents who gamble become role models in their households. Chances are double that their children will become at-risk gamblers and four times as likely that they will become problem gamblers.

Approximately 1.3 percent of Oregon adolescents are problem gamblers, which is narrowly defined as having an extreme pattern of behavior. Another 4.6 percent score as at-risk gamblers, which means that several risk factors are present. Young people who gamble are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, get into fights, skip school and engage in other risky behaviors, according to the study.

"When we hear parents say, ‘What's the harm in kids playing poker? At least I know where they are. They could be doing much worse things.', it tells us that they haven't seen the real data," said Potter. "If they did, they'd think twice."

Oregon parents and children in 1,550 families were interviewed by researchers from May to August 2007. The study found that 63 percent of adolescents gambled at least once, 46 percent gambled in the past year and three percent gamble weekly or more often. Boys gamble on a more regular basis than girls, and older teens are more likely to gamble regularly than younger ones.

The report recommends these improvements to awareness and prevention programs for youth gambling:

• Use alternative approaches to help Oregon youth with gambling problems, such as teaching parents, teachers, counselors and other youth workers to understand that youth gambling is a problem and recognize its symptoms.
• Integrate problem gambling information into existing school-based curricula on healthy choices and addictions.
• Target awareness efforts to athletic coaches and similar groups because of higher problem gambling rates among school sports participants.

Information on problem gambling is available on the Web at 1877mylimit.org.

To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

Oregon problem gambling awareness poster search winners now online

[Above: top-selected poster in Oregon (2009 calendar cover); created by Cirra Halter, 8th grade, of Mt Angel Middle School.]

The top ten posters in Oregon for the 2008 Problem Gambling Awareness Week middle school poster search are now online here.

Lane County's top 10 posters are below.

Would you like to see more? Upload your region's posters to the blog or send them to Julie Hynes.

DHS poster calendar shows ills of problem gambling

DHS News Release December 26, 2007

General contact: Ken Palke, 503.947.5286 Program contact: Wendy Hausotter, 503.945.9703

Thousands of Oregonians will be admiring the artistic endeavors of a dozen middle school students during 2008 on an Oregon Department of Human Services color calendar designed to increase awareness of problem gambling.




Approximately 75,000 Oregon adults experience problems related to their gambling, which also impacts children and families.

Earlier this year the DHS Addictions and Mental Health Division sponsored its fifth annual middle school poster contest to help students learn more about the risks of gambling and to alert parents and educators that problem gambling can be a serious health issue.

A dozen posters were chosen from several hundred entries submitted by students around the state. Many posters were created during Problem Gambling Awareness Week in March. Gift certificates ranging from $25 to $100 were awarded to two teachers and the 12 students selected.

The student artists are (grade and school at time of submission listed):

• January: Megan Tilley, 7th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• February: Amy Senestraro, 6th grade, Ashland Middle School, Ashland


• March: Marissa Parr, 8th grade, Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson
  
• April: Julie Meyer, 8th grade, Heppner High School, Heppner


• May: Trace Byrd, 8th grade, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles


• June: Chandra Sinnott, 8th grade, Central Linn High School, Halsey
  
• July: Brianna Dweg, The Dalles Middle School, The Dalles
  
• August: Katy Cheung, 8th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• September: Natalie Tolmachoff, 8th grade; Mark Twain Middle School, Silverton
  
• October: Jacob Young, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene
  
• November: Bailey White, 7th grade, Ontario Middle School, Ontario
  
• December: Sydney Sprague, 7th grade, Monroe Middle School, Eugene

Ten thousand calendars were circulated to many local DHS offices, schools and community organizations and are available free of charge. Telephone 503.945.6187 for details.

Free problem gambling treatment is available statewide. To reach the free and confidential Oregon Problem Gambling Hotline, telephone 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit 1877mylimit.org.

DHS manages the Lottery-financed problem-gambling program as part of its services to prevent and help Oregonians overcome the negative effects of addictions. More information about problem gambling is available on the DHS Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/addiction/gambling.shtml#aware.

DHS will soon launch a similar search for art for next year's problem gambling awareness calendar. Middle schools and community groups working with middle school aged children will receive information in January. The deadline for the 2009 Problem Gambling Awareness Art Search will be March 21. An entry form is also available by calling 503-945-6187.

(Note to editors: Student calendar artwork is available in PDF format. Call 503.947.5286). ###

Additional note: all 12 winning posters featured in the 2008 calendar are also online at: http://www.lanecounty.org/prevention/gambling/ORpostergallery2007.htm

Article: "Gambling: no longer an adult hobby"

Sunday, December 9, 2007 4:31 AM PST
Gambling: no longer an adult hobby

By JESSICA KELLER (Ontario) Argus Observer [Read the full article here.]

ONTARIO - What are your children doing in their spare time?While typically considered an adult activity in the past, gambling is spreading to the younger age set, and the dangers of gambling are no longer just an adult concern.

Andrea Lockner, Lifeways prevention coordinator for Malheur County, said research and societal factors indicate more youth and teenagers are either gambling or becoming more susceptible to developing gambling problems earlier, making youth gambling awareness more important.

Children and teenagers are introduced to gambling every day, Lockner said, through teasers on the Internet to watching television. Poker has become the equivalent of a sport through broadcasts of poker tournaments on television channels, such as ESPN, and children see that and their perceptions of gambling can change. Lockner said she has even heard children say they want to become professional poker players when they grow up.

“For me, I think that was a whoa. That was surprising,” Lockner said...

[Read the remainder of article here.]

Video: "Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal"

Teen Gambling: It's a Risky Deal" is an award-winning eight-minute "Mythbuster" themed video featuring Oregon youth. The video is educating, entertaining, and easy to plug in to class discussions. For ordering information, contact Greta Coe, Resource & Technical Assistance Coordinator, Oregon Problem Gambling Services.

Question: Banks

A regional problem gambling prevention provider, Marcy, would like to know if any problem gambling prevention/outreach has been done in approaching banks, and what the response has been.

Any successes or suggestions for best approaching banks or credit unions? Please comment below.

State's problem gambling program introduces electronic messaging

Aug. 29, 2007

Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Wendy Hausotter 503-945-9703

State's problem gambling program introduces electronic messaging

For growing numbers of people, picking up the telephone is so yesterday.

Responding to that fact, the state's Problem Gambling Services program has introduced e-mail, instant messaging and live chat to its popular telephone helpline.

"We see this as a way to reach people who aren't comfortable seeking help by phone, and we expect it to be especially popular with younger, Internet-savvy people who don't often come into treatment for gambling issues," said Bob Nikkel, Oregon Department of Human Services assistant director for addictions and mental health. "This is an excellent addition to a problem gambling program already recognized as among the nation's best."

Oregon is one of a handful of jurisdictions worldwide that can invite people to communicate electronically with treatment counselors, Nikkel said.

Like people who call the toll-free phone line, those who contact the program electronically will communicate with qualified counselors trained in helping people with gambling addictions. People may send e-mail and instant messages or call the helpline at any time or, for live chat with a counselor, may call weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

As with calling the helpline, using electronic communication is confidential. Encrypted software protects personal information that is shared electronically.

To connect, people may go to the Web site www.1877mylimit.org. From there, they may send an e-mail message or click on an icon to initiate live chat. People also may send an instant message using AOL, ICQ, Google, MSN or Yahoo services.

Services are available in both English and Spanish.

Nikkel said the program expects inquiries such as what level of gambling constitutes a problem, where and when local Gamblers Anonymous meetings are held, what happens in treatment, and how and where to enroll.

The state's problem-gambling program, operated by DHS as part of its addiction prevention and treatment services, is paid for by 1 percent of Oregon Lottery revenues. Problem-gambling treatment is free, confidential and has been shown to be effective.

For traditionalists who still prefer to use the 24-hour telephone helpline, the toll-free phone number is 1-877-695-4648 (MY LIMIT). More than 4,000 people call the helpline annually.

# # #

2007 college gambling survey findings

The executive report of findings from the 2007 college gambling survey is available online.

450 University of Oregon students participated in a confidential online survey, conducted by Northwest Survey & Data Services, Inc., in May 2007.

Data from the survey will be used to plan evidence-based problem gambling awareness efforts in conjunction with the University of Oregon.