As Powerball sales surge and as the Denver Broncos enter the playoffs, gambling addiction specialists fear they’re entering a troublesome time.
"For problem gambling, this is a perfect storm,” said psychotherapist Nancy Lantz. "I'm putting in 12-hour days. I'm having calls from people who have been in recovery for a long time that are really having the urges to gamble again."
Lantz is one of only eight gambling addiction specialists in the entire state. She notes the impact of problem gambling can be significant, ranging from domestic violence to suicide.
"With gamblers -- different than any other addiction -- is all they have to [do is] win and it gets them out of trouble and so until the very last straw, they're going to play it out,” said Lantz.
"After the playoffs and after the Super Bowl, then we'll have more people coming in,” she added.
The state of Colorado helps fund the National Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700. For additional resources, click on this link.
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