The Mississippi Council operates a help line for problem and compulsive gamblers, which has received 127,613 calls and helped 16,376 gamblers, their families and friends since its inception. Over the past year we have noticed certain trends in the calls we have received for help. In an effort to learn more about compulsive gambling and those who suffer from this disorder, we have attempted to create a database of information from these calls. However, we recognize that some callers may be in such a state of crisis that the gathering of information is impossible.

In 2016 the help line received a total of 5681 calls, of which 263 were counseling calls. Eighty percent of our callers are seeking help for themselves, while others are calling about their spouses (7%), relatives (10%), and friends (1%). The majority (70%) of the individuals experiencing problems with gambling fall between the ages of 26-64. Fifty-three percent heard about our help line number through the casinos.

MCPCG refers compulsive gamblers and their families to Gamblers Anonymous meetings, regional mental health centers, private treatment providers, and consumer credit counseling centers. MCPCG also offers text, chat and motivational messaging in addition to our other help line services.

In 2008, the Council added a new component to our help line services. This component, Call to Change (C2C) Program, will provide additional support to our help line callers in taking the next step toward counseling and/or Gamblers Anonymous. The Call to Change (C2C) Program is a 6-week enhanced case management/relapse prevention program for problem gamblers consisting of phone sessions with a C2C counselor, weekly mailings and homework assignments.

Toll-Free 24-Hour Help Line

The Mississippi Council operates a help line for problem and compulsive gamblers, which has received 127,613 calls and helped 16,376 gamblers, their families and friends since its inception. Over the past year we have noticed certain trends in the calls we have received for help. In an effort to learn more about compulsive gambling and those who suffer from this disorder, we have attempted to create a database of information from these calls. However, we recognize that some callers may be in such a state of crisis that the gathering of information is impossible.

In 2016 the help line received a total of 5681 calls, of which 263 were counseling calls.  Eighty percent of our callers are seeking help for themselves, while others are calling about their spouses (7%), relatives (10%), and friends (1%).  The majority (70%) of the individuals experiencing problems with gambling fall between the ages of 26-64.  Fifty-three percent heard about our help line number through the casinos.

MCPCG refers compulsive gamblers and their families to Gamblers Anonymous meetings, regional mental health centers, private treatment providers, and consumer credit counseling centers. MCPCG also offers text, chat and motivational messaging in addition to our other help line services.

In 2008, the Council added a new component to our help line services. This component, Call to Change (C2C) Program, will provide additional support to our help line callers in taking the next step toward counseling and/or Gamblers Anonymous. The Call to Change (C2C) Program is a 6-week enhanced case management/relapse prevention program for problem gamblers consisting of phone sessions with a C2C counselor, weekly mailings and homework assignments.

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