MADISON (WKOW) -- It's estimated that five to seven percent of the Wisconsin population faces a gambling problem. And to bring awareness to the problem, this week is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.
Robert McGuigan's son, along with another young man, were murdered over a gambling bet. McGuigan says his son had a gambling addiction, but said at the time he didn't know it. Since his son's death he has been speaking to high schools, colleges and institutions on gambling addiction.
According to McGuigan, approximately 330,000 adults and 160,000 adolescents in Wisconsin are considered problem gamblers. He says nationwide, the addiction rate for youth is running two to three times higher than the adult addiction rate.
The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling say the warning signs of problem or compulsive gambling include:
- Constantly thinking or talking about gambling
- Gambling to escape stress or other problems
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford
- Gambling until all of your money is gone
- Lying to family members and others to conceal your gambling activity
- Borrowing money from family or friends to gamble
- Stealing money or committing other illegal acts to get more cash to wager
- Neglecting work, family, household responsibilities or personal needs because of gambling
- Gambling to win back your previous losses
- Repeated attempts to control, cut back or stop gambling
There is help available and if you have a family member or a friend that needs help. They can call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling help line at 1-800-Gamble5 or 1-800-426-2535.
You can also check out the council's
website or
Facebook for more information.
McGuigan joined us on 27 News at 5 on Monday to share his story and talk about gambling addictions.
