WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Super Bowl Sunday a big temptation for gambler
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La Crosse, WI (WXOW) - Whether you're betting on which team will win the game or what the final score will be. In Wisconsin, gambling is illegal.
La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke said, "Any bet is illegal, any offer any kind of prize, any kind of value, doesn't have to be money based something dependent on kill or luck."
Gruenke said he knows people will gamble on the game this weekend but he says it is a Class B Misdemeanor and you can be fined if you are caught.
Winning just even a few bucks can lead to a serious addiction.
Placing a friendly wager on the game is harmless for most.
But for some, any gambling can become a problem.
Therapist Tim Fuhrmann said, "We see it among young people especially kids between 14 and 20 they seem to get into poker Texas Holdem and they do some sports betting. People 21 to 60 you might see them do casino type gambling. People over 60 sometimes they like bingo and casino gambling."
Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest day of the year not only for the sports fan but also problem gamblers.
Tim said, "We just got through the holiday season and credit cards maybe maxed out. If they've had previous gambling losses this is a chance for them to make up for their loss and they are going to try to have one final bet to win it all."
Problem gambling is a type of impulse control disorder.
It's estimated that 5% to 7%of the population suffers from a gambling addiction.
And losing money can strain relationships, work and lead to financial disasters.
Tim said, "There are arguments fights which can sometimes lead to domestic abuse separation or divorce. Sometimes when college funds are depleted or savings funds are milked down this is a big issue and a problem with some families ."
Gambling is sometime referred to as the hidden illness because there's are no obvious signs or symptoms.
And a compulsive gambler can be a anyone.
Tim said, "At a casino or their on their couch watching a sporting event and they have a wager sometimes you will notice irritability they get frustrated they have anxiety depression their waiting to come back and get that next win."
Although you may have a 'lucky win' the first time you bet a couple bucks any gambler will tell you, you can't beat the house every time.
If you suspect a friend or family member has a gambling addiction, you can call Coulee Council on addictions in La Crosse at (608) 784-4177or Gundersen Lutheran behavioral health at (608) 782-7300 Ext. 5799.
To speak with someone anonymously, call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling at (800) GAMBLE-5.
