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March Madness

March Madness-Final Four, Students Gambling Problems and Helpline Assistance

PHILADELPHIA, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent studies show a strong link between problem gambling and adolescent gamblers-strong research indicates teens have at least double the prevalence rate for problem gambling as adults.

-- Statistics provided by NCPG show that youth have higher rates of not just gambling problems but that youth who gamble also have higher rates of substance abuse, drunk driving, delinquency, violence, and other antisocial behavior.

-- Over $4 billion has been spent on the March Madness tournament.

-- Sports web sites have increased 38% in one year.

James Pappas, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania states, "We want to remind students that gambling can get out of hand if they aren't careful. We want to let students know that if they or someone they know has a gambling problem; help is a phone call away."

A brief look at February Helpline data from the state Problem Gambling Helpline indicates most Pennsylvania helpline callers gamble at the casinos, in second place is the lottery, then race tracks. Over 35% of callers are between 30 and 49, most are males, 10% are African American and the calls come from 22 counties with 10 times more calls from Philadelphia County than any other county, followed by Luzerne, Montgomery, Delaware, Lehigh, Allegheny, Columbia and Dauphin counties. Most callers self-referred and reported their gambling became a problem over the last 1-5 years.

The CCGP is the state advocate for programs and services that assist problem gamblers and their families. The mission of the CCGP is to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and encourage research and programs for prevention and education.

For resources on problem gambling, call the CCGP Helpline Network at (800.848-1880) toll free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are strictly confidential. You may also visit the organization's website at www.pacouncil.com.

Source: Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania

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