Special to the Times Vedette
The term social and charitable gambling sounds harmless. After all, what harm can a little gambling for a good cause hurt? A social gambling license allows patrons to socially gamble among themselves in a licensed establishment on small stakes card and parlor games such as euchre, pitch, pinochle, darts or billiards. Charitable gambling usually benefits an educational institution, religious group or social organization. Many people do not think games like bingo or raffles are included in the term gambling. The truth is that these games are indeed gambling, and players face the same risks as playing the lottery or visiting a casino.
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) regulate licenses for organizations to conduct bingo, game nights, games of skill or chance and raffles. Each year, DIA issues more than 2,000 social and charitable licenses. While school raffles and casino nights may be effective fundraisers, these types of activities may also introduce youth to gambling-type activities early in their lives that may decrease perception of risk and harm; impact individuals who are currently experiencing gambling problems by triggering them to play; or risk individuals who are in recovery by exposing them to gambling type activities. Here are some tips for playing safe:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Put your family and friends first.
- If you win, set aside at least some of your winnings.
- Track your losses.
- Don’t chase your losses. If you lose, don’t try to win it back.
- Remember that playing social and charitable games is for fun, not for financial gain.
- Stop playing when it is no longer fun.
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing a problem with gambling, reach out to 1-800-BETS-OFF from Your Life Iowa for free, confidential support. New Opportunities, Inc. is part of the Iowa Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Service System with services funded by the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG). For more information on problem gambling, visit the Your Life Iowa website at yourlifeiowa.org or contact New Opportunities Inc. Behavioral Health Department for Problem Gambling treatment at 712-792-9266.