Problem Gambling Awareness

Nevada Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the launching of a new initiative to promote awareness of problem gambling. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, will incorporate a variety of approaches to educate individuals and families about this important community health issue and direct them to resources for help.

For most people, gambling is an activity that is fun and entertaining – one that can be experienced with little or no harmful effects. For others, gambling can be a serious problem that continues even after the fun is gone. According to the 2003 Southern Nevada Community Assessment report, 31% of those surveyed had experienced gambling problems within their family and 55% ranked gambling problems as a major community concern.

Nevada Federal is naturally concerned about any issue that affects the personal and financial well being of our members, and we believe some positive steps can be taken to address the effects of problem gambling in our community.

Each of our branch offices have the following resources available:

• Nevada Council on Problem Gambling brochure entitled When the Fun Stops™. This brochure contains information about the nature and symptoms of problem gambling and resources for help.
• Because financial problems are often the first visible sign of a gambling problem, a consumer guide produced by the National Endowment for Financial Education and the National Council on Problem Gambling entitled Personal Financial Strategies for the loved ones of Problem Gamblers will be made available to credit union members statewide. This 44-page handbook contains practical suggestions for dealing with the financial issues that affect problem gamblers and their families.
• Additionally, Nevada Federal Credit Union ATM receipts and member account statements will display the Nevada Council’s toll-free 24-Hour HelpLine number.

Nevada Federal hopes our efforts will make an impact in the communities we serve by increasing awareness, promoting education, and providing helpful resources to those who may be affected by a gambling problem.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the warning signs of a gambling problem, call the Problem Gamblers HelpLine at (800) 522-4700 for 24-hour confidential assistance. Caring and knowledgeable counselors are available to answer questions and provide information about appropriate resources to assist both the gambler and the family. This HelpLine is part of a nationwide system that is able to provide information specific to the caller’s geographical area and personal needs.

It’s that simple. Help is just a phone call away.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is a non-profit agency whose mission is to generate awareness, promote education and advocate for quality treatment of problem gambling in the state of Nevada. To learn more about the Nevada Council, visit their website at www.nevadacouncil.org.