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When gambling goes from fun to costly habit

Residents of the Upper Peninsula and northeastern Wisconsin likely live within relatively close distance of at least one casino or gaming establishment.

For those who don’t, playing the lottery can be as close as the corner convenience store.

Most consider gambling an innocent amusement — dropping a few dollars as an excuse to indulge in dreams of a lifestyle and riches that could be had, even while well aware only a lucky few will ever see that kind of win become a reality.

But some will throw themselves and their money into gambling with a commitment blind to reason, draining their finances even as they remain convinced the next play will not only recover what was lost but provide the big payoff that makes it worth all the risk.

With March being Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Michigan Lottery has joined the National Council on Problem Gambling to cue the public on what to watch for in someone who might be playing the games of chance too much and how such destructive behavior can be prevented or treated.

Each year, the lottery provides $1 million to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to fund statewide education and treatment programs on problem gambling.

Additionally, the lottery’s online services include enhanced responsibility resources that aren’t found in any other forms of gaming in Michigan:

— A variety of self-exclusion periods;

— Daily and weekly deposit limits;

— Age verification at account registration;

— Play history to monitor gaming activity.

“Knowing your limits is always the best bet,” lottery officials remind players.

The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline can provide free, one-on-one support for players who may have a problem. For confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, players may call 800-270-7117.

Chat and text options also are available through www.michiganlottery.com/responsible_gaming.

So take some time when playing these games, be it casino slots or a lottery scratch-off card, to be sure it’s a choice, not a compulsion.

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