HAMILTON, N.J., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Super Bowl is the last desperate effort to break even for the season... it can be a double or nothing event for the problem gambler. The excitement and emotion associated with the Super Bowl is often not limited to the pass that scores a touchdown or an amazing interception. It is often the money riding on the game that proves to be more important than seeing a favorite team earn themselves a victory.

When does betting on sports become a problem?

    --  Is it risking money essential for basic needs?    --  Is it the mental preoccupation, focusing on the football game to the        exclusion of all other concerns?    --  Is it the emotional response, whether numbing or exhilarating?

Does any of this sound familiar?

And where does the money that is lost go? What if your lost bet went to an organization supplying drugs to kids? What if your lost bet helped supply a drug that killed a teenager? What if your lost bet helped build organized crime or supplied gangs with weapons?

A "Yes" to either of the following questions means that you might be over the edge with your gambling. You owe it to yourself to make the call to 1-800-GAMBLER®... or to check out the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.'s website at www.800gambler.org. Ask yourself honestly:

    1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?    2. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you       gambled?

For most people, Super Bowl Sunday and the playoffs that lead up to it are nothing more than entertainment - a chance to get together with family and friends and have some fun. For the compulsive gambler, it can be a time of great distress - hopefully, leading to the first step of reaching out for help.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, Inc.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that provides information, education and referral services for people affected by a gambling problem. The Council's mission is to educate the public to the fact that compulsive gambling is a treatable illness.

The Council's 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline and website www.800gambler.org have been resources for thousands of people who are compulsive gamblers and recovering from compulsive gambling, as well as their friends and families.

SOURCE Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, Inc.