With the Super Bowl fast approaching, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is gearing up for its biggest annual challenge.  

(David De Lossy, ThinkStock)
(David De Lossy, ThinkStock)
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According to the council, an estimated 35,000 people in New Jersey have a serious gambling problem. It is a recognized addiction, just like alcohol or drugs abuse.

When it comes to the big game, emotions and stress can run high for compulsive gamblers, executive director Donald Weinbaum says.

"Super Bowl Sunday can be a day that is much more important than for the average person, who maybe just has a casual bet riding on the game," Weinbaum said.

"There's a lot of ups and downs emotionally. If there's financial loss involved, that's an impact. And sometimes there is emotional or domestic abuse," he said.

Some problem gamblers may see the Super Bowl as their last chance to get even for the season.

Weinbaum suggests several questions to help determine whether someone has a gambling problem:

  • Does gambling have priority over other life activities?
  • Does gambling take time away from family or friends?
  • Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when not gambling?
  • Does gambling affect your day to day financial condition?

A 'yes' to any of those questions points to a serious gambling problem, Weinbaum says, adding: help is a phone call away, at 1-800-GAMBLER.

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