Take Action

At MGM Resorts

Take Action

If you suspect that someone you love is suffering from a gambling problem, it’s natural to want to help. Just remember that it’s up to the individual to seek help. It must be their choice, and only when they’re ready. What you can do is offer support by following the tips below.

Talking Tips

  • Learn about help and support available before approaching the person.
  • Prepare examples of how the person’s gambling has had a negative impact on you and others.
  • Remember that the behavior is the problem, not the person.
  • Communicate using “I” messages without being judgmental (e.g., “When you do this, I feel…”)
  • Be supportive and offer resources if the person is open to getting help.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

  • Let her know that you care and that you’re concerned.
  • Tell him that his family and friends are concerned about the changes they see in him.
  • Stop lending her money.
  • Tell him you’re there as a friend if and when he needs your help.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the problem and make excuses — it’s easier that way.
  • Lecture them for behaving badly. Tell them they should stop immediately.

What Would You Do?

Ignore the problem and make excuses — it’s easier that way.
It may be easier in the short term, but it allows the problem to grow. It’s best to help the individual face the problem as soon as possible.

Lecture him for behaving badly. Tell him he should stop now.
Remember that the behavior is the problem, not the person. Try to communicate without being judgmental. You can’t force someone to stop gambling, but offering love and support can lead them to seek the help they need.

Let her know that you care and that you’re concerned.
Yes, it is very important that she understands that someone cares.

Tell him that his family & friends are concerned about the changes they see in him.
Yes, if you have specific examples of how his behavior has negatively affected those he cares for, it’s a good idea to tell him. Just remember not to attack him — this will likely make him defensive.

Tell him that his family & friends are concerned about the changes they see in him.
Yes, if you have specific examples of how his behavior has negatively affected those he cares for, it’s a good idea to tell him. Just remember not to attack him — this will likely make him defensive.

Tell him you’re there as a friend if and when he needs your help.
Great! Just don’t provide counseling yourself. Leave that to the professionals. When he’s ready, encourage him to call the contact the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.

Additional Help

If you would like to learn more about responsible gaming, consult with a GameSense® Advisor.

If you feel you need help, please call the following 24-hour confidential hotlines:

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
1.800.522.4700

Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling
1.800.GAMBLER
www.mdgamblinghelp.org

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
1.800.327.5050

Michigan Department of Community Health
1.800.270.7117

The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling
1.888.777.9696

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
1.800.GAMBLER

Ohio for Responsible Gaming
1.800.589.9966

Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
1.877.8HOPENY

If you desire to self-limit from gaming at all US based MGM Resorts International properties, you may request a Self-Limit Access Program form at the Casino Cage of any of our US based casino properties. In addition, in the states of Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and Ohio individuals requesting to be self-excluded may also fill out a form specific for that state.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
1.410.230.8798

Massachusetts Gaming Commission
1.617.533.9737

Michigan Gaming Control Board
1.888.223.3044

Mississippi Gaming Commission
Jackson 1.800.504.7529
Central District 1.888.465.8312
Northern District 1.800.269.3577
Southern District 1.800.497.8550

New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
Atlantic City 1.609.441.3846
Trenton 1.609.777.2279

Ohio Lottery Commission
1.800.686.4208

New York State Gaming Commission
1.518.388.3300