November 1999
An older woman called the Hotline. She described a friend who lived near her as someone who "used to take the bus the casino every month with $25, but now is going almost every week and is taking $75 or even $90." She then asked, "Do you think she has a problem?" "What can I do to help her?" Another women called about a friend at work that she was worried about. "He talks all the time about all the money he wins gambling. I'm really concerned about him, but I don't know what to say or what to do."
Hotline staff takes these kinds of calls every week from people who are concerned about someone else's gambling, but don't know what to say or what to do. The process for talking to someone who may have a gambling problem is outlined on the left. In addition, a new video titled, What Should I Say? What Can I Do? has been produced to help model the six steps for talking to a friend or family member. It is available for free loan for anyone wanting help with the questions, "what should I say?" and "what can I do?" as well as for anyone wanting to teach the process as part of an educational effort. We hope you find it to be helpful.
In This Issue
Gambling Problems Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-427-5310
