BATON ROUGE, LA – The
holidays can be a wonderful time spent with family and friends; however, they
also can also be a time of loneliness – especially during the COVID-19
pandemic. And during these times of isolation, some may turn to gambling
for a respite; so Attorney General Jeff Landry is educating gamblers of ways to
stay safe. The AG’s Office is also issuing a Public Service Announcement to remind the public of helpful resources
available at no cost for Louisiana residents.
“While I pray everyone in Louisiana has a merry and
happy holiday season; I recognize that for problem gamblers, the holidays can
offer triggers that may threaten personal finances and livelihood,” said AG
Landry. “I hope to help inform our State’s people how they may celebrate this
time more responsibly and safely.”
“From an increasing preoccupation with gambling to an
irritability when attempting to stop, there are many signs and symptoms of problem gambling,”
continued AG Landry. “Fortunately, there are also many free resources available
to address gambling problems or concerns.”
AG Landry offers the following tips for those who choose
to gamble:
- Limit
Access to Money.
Set a budget to ensure you do not lose all of your money.
- Do
Not Gamble to Cope with Negative Feelings. Be mindful of your emotional state before you choose
to gamble.
- Distract
from the Urge to Gamble.
Once you have delayed the decision to gamble, find a healthy alternative.
- Seek
Support from Someone You Can Trust. If alone, call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers
Helpline at 877-770- 7867.
The Attorney General also
encourages all who think they or a loved one may have a gambling problem to
call 877-770-STOP or visit www.FreeGamblingHelpLA.org.