Lottery fever is a difficult time for gambling addicts, experts say

With the nation in a frenzy over the record jackpot, gambling addiction counselors say now, more than ever, is a good time to reach out for help.

The excitement over the jaw–dropping grand prize is harmless fun for many, but for those struggling with gambling addiction, the lottery fever can be a trigger.

Tuesday’s highly anticipated mega millions drawing is enticing people to buy more lottery tickets than ever before.

The Associated Press reported that in California, people were buying 200 tickets every second.

I spoke with Mark, a recovering gambling addict, about the buzz surrounding the mega millions jackpot, and temptation that comes with it.

“Everybody talks about it and so it is hard to avoid, and then it kind of brings you back to that dream world, if I won what would I do? The possibilities of winning large sums of money,” said Mark.

For compulsive gamblers, the mega millions frenzy means a constant reminder to play.

Mark didn’t know he had a problem until his debt became overwhelming, forcing him to ask for help.

“I noticed it became a problem when I was in college and I was introduced to a bookie, I won some money early on and got hooked, and from then basically it didn’t matter how much I won or lost, I had to be constantly betting on everything.”

Mark sought treatment at the Choices Treatment Center at 37th and O.

One of the counselors who focuses on gambling addiction says he has had patients who would spend as much as 400 dollars a day on lottery tickets.

“When you’ve been at a spot where finances are your biggest problem and you’re trying to get out of that hole, and then you hear, well here is a chance to get out of that hole, it’s kind of hard not to consider the option,” said Jeremy Eberly, a counselor at Choices.

At least 6 million Americans are problem gamblers, according to the national council on problem gambling.

Whenever there is a high jackpot, the Nebraska gambling help line receives a spike in call volume.

“When people ask me what is problem gambling, I say, is it causing a problem in your world, if it is causing a problem in your world, then it is a problem,” said Eberly.

Experts say there is no cure for gambling addiction.

Mark has been living with it for close to two decades.

He says he hasn’t gambled in almost three years, and he hopes others are brave enough to ask for help before it is too late.

“As a gambler, I know that even if I hit the lottery, I wouldn’t stop there. It does concern me for those who have not sought help yet who might actually have a problem and this kind of frenzy does not help their situation at all,” said Mark.

The Nebraska lottery gives $500,000, plus 1 percent of the total jackpot to help with gambling addictions.

For those who may be struggling, the Nebraska Help Line is free, the number to call is 1–800–522–4700.