LGBTQAI+ and Problem Gambling

Our next episode discusses gambling/problem gambling within the LGBTQAI+ community.

What is your community saying about gambling?

Recently, the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center has hosted listening sessions throughout the region. Our goal was to learn more about what our communities are saying about problem gambling. Here’s what is being said;

  • Feeling unprepared and uneducated about the dangers of gambling
  • Ease of access and availability to the casino
  • Concerns about revenue from casinos being brought back to the community.
  • Overwhelmed by the amount of advertisements and how it may affect those struggling with problem gambling.

The Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center is here to help. We maintain a neutral stance on gambling, and want to work with you to address your comments through training and education. All training are free and available to schedule.

The Hidden Addiction Podcast

Have questions about Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon? Check out our latest episode of The Hidden Addiction and learn more from our guest from GA. Listed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more!

May, Mental Health and Problem Gambling

May was Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s a time to highlight that no one is alone if they are suffering from a mental illness. Together, as a community, we can work to de-stigmatize and raise awareness surrounding mental health.

Problem gambling and mental health have a high correlation. In fact, two-thirds of problem gamblers surveyed reported that their mental health suffered due to their gambling. The majority of those experiencing disordered gambling have a lifetime history of psychiatric disorder.

In addition to struggling with gambling;

over 49% also have a mood disorder

over 41% also have an anxiety disorder

Nearly 37% of those experiencing a gambling problem and 50% of those with disordered gambling have had suicidal thoughts. Over 17% of these individuals have attempted suicide.

The Role of Faith in Recovery

Faith based organizations have a history of relaying on their faith to get through hard times, but of recent times they are leaning on mental health and other organizations to be a resource for their congregants. We decided to reach out to a few faith based leaders that are leading in the pack of connecting with community partners. In the next few months we will be providing presentations and trainings to afew churches in Westchester County. We are excited to be able to work with these leaders and to provide information around gambling addiction to the community.

Cultural Webinar Series

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is hosting a Cultural Webinar series. Cultural competency is an ongoing, development growth process and while we learn cultural diversity in addictions and mental health practice, we still lag behind in literature specifically identifying cultural strategies highlighting specific cultural strategies for gambling disorders, wellness and prevention,  Think about what tune-ups you need to ensure your mental health services and prevention is relevant to the diverse consumers you serve.

Upcoming Webinars:

Problem Gambling and the LGBTQIA Individual: What We Know So Far

June 28th @ 12pm-1pm

African- Descent Problem Gambling: Who Says It’s a Problem!!?

July 12th @ 12pm- 1pm

Focus: Asian American Community (presenter: Dr. Timothy Fang) July 26th

Focus: Latinx Community (presenters: Marylin Marquez-Bentley and Dr. Deborah Haskins) August 9th

Focus: Native Culture (presenter: Samantha Fletcher, Executive Director, NASW-NYS) August 23rd

Virtual Training Available

Training is available and can be tailored to meet organizational needs regarding special populations. OASAS credits and Social Work CEU’s are available. If interested contact Leilani Yizar Reid at lyizar@nyproblemsgambling.org

When we discuss problem gambling and its affects on individuals and their families. we need to talk about their mental health. We need to discuss how their mental health impacts an individuals gambling, and how their gambling affects their mental health and the mental health of their loved ones.