Common Q and A's about responsible gambling
What is Gambling?
Gambling is betting money or something of value on the outcome of a game, contest or other event where the results lie in chance and the outcomes are uncertain. Gambling doesn’t just have to be a trip to the casinos. It can be $50 on a poker table, nickel bingo, raffles and even betting a soda on a ball game. Three elements must be presented in order to be considered gambling: 1) paying to play or betting something of value, 2) element of chance, 3) a prize or winning of some sort.
What can you ‘play’ legally in Nebraska?
Regulated forms of gaming vary in cities, counties and the state. Consumers should be aware of the legal forms in your area. In Nebraska, legal forms include: Bingo and Lottery by Pickle Cards; Lotteries and Raffles conducted by qualifying nonprofit organizations; Lotteries (Keno) conducted by counties, cities and villages; State Lottery (Power Ball, Scratch Off Tickets, etc.) and Horse Racing.
What can’t you play that is illegal?
Some examples of illegal forms are: Slot Machines, Dog fights, Video Lottery Machines, Craps-Dice, Internet Gambling, betting on Sports/Games, Office Pools, and even private poker gamin in your own home or an unregulated establishment.
What are the ‘rules to play’ in Nebraska?
Legal age limits are either 18 or 19 depending on the type of gaming. In Nebraska you can be 19 to participant in Keno conducted by cities and villages, State Lottery and Horse Racking. However, you can be 18 to play bingo, purchase Pickle cards, Lottery and Raffle tickets. Individuals under 18 can participate in Bingo and purchase Lottery or Raffle tickets ONLY under limited circumstances authorized by Nebraska law.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is legal wagering for entertainment only, with limits on time played and money spent for a low risk of harm to self and others. Low Risk gambling means being able to play with little chance of losing control.
What is Problematic/Pathological Gambling?
Problem Gambling is gambling to the extent that it caused emotional, family, legal, financial or other problems for the gambler and the people around the gambler. Just because you could afford to lose, doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem! Pathological Gambling has the features of persistent, recurrent, maladaptive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, family or other pursuits. It is a progressive addiction like substance abuse with a similar process of destructiveness to the individual and family.
How do I know if I or someone I know has a problem?
Some signs and symptoms of problems are as follows: increasing time spent gambling, increasing size of bets, intensity of interest in gambling activities, turning to gambling during stress, increased irritability, erratic mood and personality changes, feeling depressed or anxious, decreased productivity at work, school or home, lying about activities, and money, evasive about losses a, spending money earmarked for bills, etc on gambling. Click on the link to the information sheets below for more information.
Where can I find help for problem gambling?
Treatment is available. In Nebraska, the Gamblers Assistance Program provides some financial assistance for treatment to the gambler and the family. Click here to find Certified Gambling counselors in Nebraska or call 1-800-522-4700 for a 24hr Helpline.
For a list of Information Sheets you can download, click HERE