Problem Gambling Council of Maryland

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem Gambling, also called Compulsive Gambling, is an illness, progressive in its nature which can never be cured but can be arrested. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes problem gambling as a treatable psychiatric disorder.

For most people, gambling can be fun. However, for over five million Americans, gambling has become a serious and alarming problem. For them, they have crossed the line of fun and stepped into the realm of obsession. That obsession, for these Americans, has become an addiction. Problem gambling is an addiction in which the substance being abused is money.

If you believe that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please feel free to e-mail us or call us @ 1-800-GAMBLER. Our helpline specialists are here for you 24-hours a day.

Problem Gambling Fast Facts for Maryland

•In Maryland there are over 130,000 problem gamblers.

•Problem gamblers cost the state of Maryland $1.5 billion anually in lost work productivity and embezzled, stolen, or otherwise abused dollars.

•Total indebtedness of Maryland problem gamblers exceeds $4 billion.

•The average age of a problem gambler's first bet in the state of Maryland is 12 years old.

•An estimated 17-24% of problem gamblers have attempted suicide.

•76% of problem gamblers meet the criteria of having had a major depressive episode.

•47-52% of problem gamblers have also had a substance abuse addiction.

•Over 850,000 people are directly affected by problem gamblers.



For immediate support with problem gambling, call us at 1-800-GAMBLER.		What is Problem Gambling? Problem Gambling, also called Compulsive Gambling, is an illness, progressive in its nature which can never be cured but can be arrested. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes problem gambling as a treatable psychiatric disorder. For most people, gambling can be fun. However, for over five million Americans, gambling has become a serious and alarming problem. For them, they have crossed the line of fun and stepped into the realm of obsession. That obsession, for these Americans, has become an addiction. Problem gambling is an addiction in which the substance being abused is money. If you believe that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, please feel free to e-mail us or call us @ 1-800-GAMBLER. Our helpline specialists are here for you 24-hours a day. Problem Gambling Fast Facts for Maryland •In Maryland there are over 130,000 problem gamblers. •Problem gamblers cost the state of Maryland $1.5 billion anually in lost work productivity and embezzled, stolen, or otherwise abused dollars. •Total indebtedness of Maryland problem gamblers exceeds $4 billion. •The average age of a problem gambler's first bet in the state of Maryland is 12 years old. •An estimated 17-24% of problem gamblers have attempted suicide. •76% of problem gamblers meet the criteria of having had a major depressive episode. •47-52% of problem gamblers have also had a substance abuse addiction. •Over 850,000 people are directly affected by problem gamblers.
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