SPORTS GAMBLING
Do You Bet on the Super Bowl?

It's hard withstanding the social pressure to make a bet on the big game; kind of like trying to resist the social pressure of having a drink. Consider not betting on one Super Bowl – just kick back and enjoy the game. Remember those days as a kid when you had a great time without betting? We've got tips for "winning" on Super Bowl Sunday.

5 tips for "winning" on Super Bowl Sunday:

1. Don't put it all on the line on the Super Bowl to try to make up for a losing season. If you win, you'll be somewhat relieved, but if you lose, you'll be twice as miserable. Problem gamblers think only about winning and minimize the consequences of losing.

2. If you need to place a bet to make the game "interesting", you're probably not far away from needing to watch porn in order to enjoy sex with your partner.

3. Don't use the Super Bowl party as an excuse to get drunk. If you do, you probably won't enjoy the game, your friends, the half time show and the funny commercials. You may not even remember the game well enough the next day to have a good conversation about what "coulda and shoulda" have happened. Anyway, it won't matter whether or not you won the bet if you drive drunk after the game and don't make it home.

4. It's hard withstanding the social pressure to make a bet on the Super Bowl; kind of like trying to resist the social pressure to have a drink. Consider not betting on one Super Bowl -- just kick back and enjoy the game. Remember those days as a kid when you had a great time without betting?

5. Call the Problem Gambling Helpline if you or someone you care about is having trouble controlling gambling:
1-800-34 NO BET. That's the way to become a real winner!

Info provided by Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. www.ccpg.org