WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Big Game Can be Big Problem for Gamblers (WTNH) _ Super Bowl Sunday is prime time for compulsive gamblers to get into trouble. And experts say it's also a time of year when domestic abuse centers see an increase in clients. News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports. There are two groups working this Super Bowl Sunday to bring awareness to these issues. They're hoping anyone who lashes out at their spouse or children or with a gambling problem will take notice and get help. Forget the slot machines and rolls of the dice - it's the odds of cashing in on Super Bowl Sunday that experts say send compulsive or even recovering gamblers over the edge. Nancy Petry, Ph.D., UConn Health Center: "The Super Bowl can be a really difficult time because at work or with their friends they may be tempted to bet when they normally hadn't bet in a while." Add to the problem increased access in recent years through the internet and casinos. Nancy Petry is hoping Super Bowl Sunday will help those at risk recognize their addiction and seek out treatment. Petry: "If their life is devastated because they didn't win that bet or if they find they have to then go bet on something else or if they are feeling just terrible because they didn't win... When it's not just fun anymore is when people are just starting to develop a problem." Newington residents took home Super Bowl snacks today to the support the fight against another associated problem - spousal abuse. Domestic abuse centers say they see an increase in clients around this time each year. Mitch Page, Grace Episcopal: "We know that with the combination of alcohol, gambling many people have Christmas debt and bills that are due now can predispose some of them to lash out." The men of Grace Episcopal Church sold grinders today to benefit the Prudence Crandall Center for Women. Page: "We thought as men we have a special responsibility to speak to other men and that those men might be more receptive to our message because we're one of them and we're saying hey guys let's stop this." The men of Grace Episcopal raised more than $700 today for the center. For those who need help with gambling addictions Dr. Petry is offering a free 8 week confidential program at the UConn Health Center. Anyone interested in participating can call 860.679.2177. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Big Game Can be Big Problem for Gamblers
(WTNH) _ Super Bowl Sunday is prime time for compulsive gamblers to get into trouble. And experts say it's also a time of year when domestic abuse centers see an increase in clients.
News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports.

There are two groups working this Super Bowl Sunday to bring awareness to these issues. They're hoping anyone who lashes out at their spouse or children or with a gambling problem will take notice and get help.

Forget the slot machines and rolls of the dice - it's the odds of cashing in on Super Bowl Sunday that experts say send compulsive or even recovering gamblers over the edge.

Nancy Petry, Ph.D., UConn Health Center: "The Super Bowl can be a really difficult time because at work or with their friends they may be tempted to bet when they normally hadn't bet in a while."

Add to the problem increased access in recent years through the internet and casinos. Nancy Petry is hoping Super Bowl Sunday will help those at risk recognize their addiction and seek out treatment.

Petry: "If their life is devastated because they didn't win that bet or if they find they have to then go bet on something else or if they are feeling just terrible because they didn't win... When it's not just fun anymore is when people are just starting to develop a problem."

Newington residents took home Super Bowl snacks today to the support the fight against another associated problem - spousal abuse. Domestic abuse centers say they see an increase in clients around this time each year.

Mitch Page, Grace Episcopal: "We know that with the combination of alcohol, gambling many people have Christmas debt and bills that are due now can predispose some of them to lash out."

The men of Grace Episcopal Church sold grinders today to benefit the Prudence Crandall Center for Women.

Page: "We thought as men we have a special responsibility to speak to other men and that those men might be more receptive to our message because we're one of them and we're saying hey guys let's stop this."

The men of Grace Episcopal raised more than $700 today for the center.

For those who need help with gambling addictions Dr. Petry is offering a free 8 week confidential program at the UConn Health Center. Anyone interested in participating can call 860.679.2177.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.