Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/10/2016 -- The Super Bowl is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year, and is also its largest betting event. This past Super Bowl weekend, it is estimated that $4.2 billion was wagered (legally and illegally) on the event's outcome. Often, betting on the Super Bowl is socially acceptable and legal, but the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey cautions that for problem gamblers and their loved ones, the Super Bowl can actually have devastating consequences.

Betting on the Super Bowl is not legal in the state of New Jersey, but this doesn't stop individuals who are addicted to gambling from wagering risky sums on the outcome of the event. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey says that problem gamblers tend to see the Super Bowl as a last-ditch opportunity to recover the hundreds or thousands of dollars they have lost on previous bets, or to repay debts incurred by borrowing or stealing money from friends and family to fuel their gambling habit. Frequently, the bets placed on the Super Bowl are high, with devastating consequences when they are lost.

The high emotions and financial risk associated with the Super Bowl doesn't just affect the financial security and mental health of problem gamblers: It affects their family members and friends as well. Family members usually experience emotional and physical abuse around this time, especially when problem gamblers also have addictive behaviors around alcohol. When bets are lost, the consequences of severe financial losses affect family members, often leaving them feeling angry and helpless.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey advises friends and family members of problem gamblers that there is hope. The Council offers support, treatment and compulsive gambling help for people with problematic gambling behaviors. Those concerned about their own or a loved one's gambling patterns in the wake of this year's Super Bowl can also call 1-800-GAMBLER or text "800GAMBLER" to 53342 to learn about the help available or plan to attend Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon meetings in NJ. More information is available at http://www.800gambler.org.

About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their compulsive gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.

For more information, please visit http://www.800gambler.org.