Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/26/2016 -- Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, recently appeared in an NJ.com video that highlights the popularity of fantasy sports leagues as well as the controversy surrounding them. These leagues, which allow players to bet on the performance of individual sports players throughout the season, have become, for some, a source of livelihood. For others, however, participation in fantasy sports leagues can result in a sports gambling problem, leading some New Jersey lawmakers to propose a statewide ban (including Atlantic City) on fantasy sports leagues.

In the video, Pryor clarifies that the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is "neither for nor against any kind of gambling," whether in the form of fantasy sports leagues or more conventional kinds of gambling. However, she affirms, disordered gambling behavior can arise from participation in fantasy sports. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey recognizes the need for the stigma on problem gambling to be lifted, and offers professional, non-judgmental and confidential support, treatment and hope for New Jersey individuals who need help.

"We're not looking to shut [fantasy sports leagues] down," Pryor asserts. "We're looking for them to be able to give that message [of hope] out and to admit that this is a form of gambling and that people are running into trouble."

Problem gambling is often referred to as an "invisible addiction," since problem gamblers may appear fully functional on the outside, but secretly struggle with mounting debts, depression and other issues. Without the recognition that fantasy sports leagues are a form of gambling that can lead to addiction, problem gamblers may be even less likely to seek help. However, those who suspect that they need help with their sports gambling addiction can call the Council's 24/7, confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER, at any time for access to professional resources like Gamblers Anonymous meetings in Freehold, NJ and throughout New Jersey.

Learn more 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 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.