KNOWING HOW MUCH TO RISK

Gambling is a thrill. Every time someone plays a Slot Machine or places a bet on a favorite horse, there's the chance to win big. For most people, it's a fun and affordable way to be entertained for a few hours, and spend time with friends.

Unfortunately, some people gamble more than they can afford to lose, and end up putting their relationships, their career, and their life savings at risk.

At Fairgrounds Gaming & Raceway, we care about all of our guests. In fact, we're on a first-name basis with many of them. So we want to make sure that people come here for the right reasons - to be entertained, and to have fun. But, if the fun stops, we want you to know we're here to help.

COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IS AN ILLNESS

People who gamble too much have an addiction, just like people who are addicted to alcohol or cigarettes. As with any addiction, gambling often makes people lose control, and so things they wouldn't ordinarily do.

To make matters worse, problem gambling is often a cycle. First, gamblers start to get in over their heads. Then, they realize that gambling is affecting their quality of life. To deal with this stress (and to try and recover their losses), they gamble more and more, and the cycle starts all over again. In the end, a gambling addiction can destroy the life of the gambler, and ruin relationships with family and friends.

HOW TO KNOW WHEN HELP IS NEEDED

It's not always easy to spot someone with a gambling problem. In fact, people often hide their feelings - and the evidence - for months, or even years. But once the problem is identified, we can assist you in getting the help you need.

THE 12 WARNING SIGNS THAT GAMBLING MAY BE A PROBLEM, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERTS:

1. Loss of control over gambling

2. Increased preoccupation with gambling

3.  Building a tolerance for gambling

4. Putting other parts of one's life (family, work, school, relationships) at risk

5. Paying debts- or getting money to gamble - by borrowing money, selling personal items, or doing something illegal

6. Gambling to escape problems at home or work

7. Neglecting the care of one's self or family in order to gamble

8. Lying about how much money and time is spent on gambling

9. Trying - and failing - to cut back or stop gambling

10. Losing enough money that outside financial help is needed

11. Chasing losses by gambling even more money to try and win it all back

12. Feeling desperate, depressed or even suicidal because of gambling

IF GAMBLING IS A PROBLEM FOR YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT, PLEASE:

- Call the New York Council on Problem Gaming's 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or 1-877-846-7369

- Visit www.nyproblemgambling.org

- Simply ask any of the staff at Fairgrounds Gaming & Raceway about problem gambling; they can offer support and provide additional resources, including a period of self-exclusion

Click here to download a self exclusion form