Millions of people are expected to tune into the Super Bowl this weekend. It can be easy getting caught up in all the excitement, but it is big events like Sunday's football game that can mean big consequences for those with a gambling problem.
Gamblers Anonymous said this is a busy time of year. The organization gets a lot of calls for help because of sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.
The Gamblers Anonymous chapter in Charlottesville wants the community to know they are here. It's estimated about 2.5 million adults suffer from compulsive gambling.
The average debt among men is between $55,000 and $90,000. Women with a betting problem average $15,000 of debt.
A compulsive gambler is considered someone whose gambling has caused problems in every aspect of their life.
Gamblers Anonymous said they're seeing an increase in young people, mostly college students, with a betting problem. The organization also said the Internet has made it easier to place bets, contributing to the problem.
Gamblers Anonymous offers questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. The questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling.
The Charlottesville Chapter of Gamblers Anonymous meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church - Unitarian Universalist 1717 Rugby Road. There's also a 24 hour hotline at 434-563-6694.
