Delaware Council on Gambling Problems hopes to provide treatment options for those in need – 47abc

DELAWARE. – Delawareans can now bet on their favorite sports with Fan Duel and Draft Kings. However, experts think this could lead to a spike in gambling problems.

As the holidays near, fan favorites like football, basketball, and hockey are all in season. Representatives from the Delaware Council on Gambling Problem tell WMDT there are plenty of resources available.

The DCGP Judicial Outreach and Development Director, Jeffrey Wasserman, experienced addiction to gambling first-hand. So much, so that he thought about taking his life. “It usually does not rear its ugly head until severe consequences occur, and that’s what happened to me.”

Wasserman was a former attorney in Wilmington Delaware. His addiction caused much strife in his work and personal life. “I started engaging in behaviors to fund my gambling that was unethical as an attorney. And I got caught, to be frank with you, through an audit of my books and records at my law firm. That’s when it all came crumbling down.”

He eventually became a member of the council and has enjoyed sharing his story. The DCGP has officially opened its third location in Kent County. Their goal is to help those who face problems just like Wasserman did. Although gambling has never been easier due to the state’s new legislation.

“With online gambling, now they can gamble as easily as they send a text message, so now there is no distance between an urge to gamble and the ability to gamble.”

Denise Anderson, who is a counselor for Focus Point Behavioral Health tells WMDT, that there are many symptoms to look out for. “It interferes with their everyday life, they start missing work, they don’t perform at their level, and they start falling behind on bills. Relationships can become strained as well, leading to more arguments.”

Experts deem these symptoms as signs of desperation. Wasserman said that they can lead to a life of crime. “We see behaviors like this, anywhere from issuing bad checks, to embezzlement, and there usually white collar, non-violent crimes that feed their addiction.”

Hope is not lost though, The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems offer 3 locations to help those who struggle. They have a site in New Castle County (Wilmington), Sussex County (Georgetown), and Kent County (Smyrna)

You can visit their respective locations if you have need support. Wasserman who often works alongside lawmakers, speaks at many conferences to help officials understand the struggles in addiction. He encourages people who need it, to get any help that they can.

“The science is clear; it is a recognized addiction and it’s treatable.”

You can learn more about treatment options here.