This weekend on In Focus, we’re looking at the impact of problem gambling.
JoDee Kenney sits down with Harry Levant, an internationally certified gambling counselor, mental health therapist and doctor of law and policy. Levant says the majority of people can gamble without suffering from problem gambling. He says we are dealing with a known addictive product. The problem isn’t with the individual, the problem is with the nature of the product and the way it’s being distributed and disseminated by the gambling industry and its sports and media partners.
Levant spoke briefly about his own recovery from sports gambling. He touched on micro-betting in a sporting event. He says the human brain isn’t built to handle this much action with an addictive product this rapidly.
He then outlined the signs and symptoms between someone who enjoys gambling and someone who has an issue. What family members and loved ones want to be looking for are, he said, are an increased preoccupation with sports and particular moments within a sporting event, getting extreme highs or lows during the course of a game outside the routing plays, talking about gambling only when you are winning, not wanting to discuss losses, falling behind on bills and late notices coming, and a constant fascination with a play in a game. If you are concerned, Levant suggests starting a conversation with the person. The first step is the three most courageous words: “I need help”.
You can watch the full interview above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting Upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.