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.

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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.

'Hit me one more time: The life of a gambler'

JUNE 17, 2007
by Chris Gray, The News-Review Roseburg, OR

Article snippets:

"Elliot Karpen is a patient in ADAPT's gambling addiction treatment program, funded by the Oregon Lottery.Elliot used to bring home $3,000 to $4,000 a week selling Fords, Jaguars and Aston Martins. Now he and (his wife) Greta live in a $575-a-month Cloverdale duplex and he collects disability."

"Elliot said he's gambled since he was 6 years old, stealing pennies and nickels from his father to toss against the wall with the other kids on the streets of Brooklyn."

[Photo: 'Elliot Karpen talks with ADAPT’s Paul Famer during a counseling session at the ADAPT offices in Roseburg June 7.' JON AUSTRIA / The News-Review]

Read the full article on the News-Review website.

New video highlighting gambling’s risks to youth

DHS News Release June 18, 2007

Contact: Jim Sellers 503-945-5738
Program contact: Bob Miller 503-945-6185

A new video that takes a fast-moving, often humorous approach to highlighting the risks of youth gambling is being made available free to middle school teachers and other youth leaders by the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The 8-1/2-minute video, “Teen Gambling: It’s a Risky Deal,” features catchy graphics, interviews with middle-school students from Burns, Eugene, John Day and Ontario, and two Oregon adolescent actors as anchors.

“Although students who gamble often start in middle school, most schools don’t address gambling as part of their health curriculum,” said Bob Nikkel, Oregon Department of Human Services assistant director for mental health and addictions. “This short video will give those who work with youth a chance to engage them and start the discussion about gambling’s potential risks.”

[View complete news release here.]

KOIN-TV News story: 'More teens try hand at gambling' (6/19/07)

Oregon's first problem gambling prevention video debut

June 5, 2007 (Eugene) -- The first Oregon problem gambling prevention video debuted at Monroe Middle School in Eugene. The video was commissioned by Oregon Problem Gambling Services, and produced by Allied Video Productions in conjunction with Marcia Martin & Associates, LLC.

KVAL-TV News story/video: 'Local students make video to prevent problem gambling' (6/5/07)

KMTR-TV News story/video:'New video: Gambling prevention for teens' (6/5/07)


[Photos Top: News cameras capture the premiere as students watch. Bottom: Michele Armand from KVAL-13 TV interviews Monroe Middle School teacher Sarah Kerr-Daly about the new video.]
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Full story:
Lane County Problem Gambling Prevention: Youth Video Media Center