Choices Treatment Center

08/29/2025

With all of the gambling options available currently in our country, we should never forget that lottery and lotto games can become problematic for a portion of our population.

As the current lotto jackpot rises and makes news, it is important to set and maintain limits on time, energy, and money with lottery play. Treat a lottery purchase as entertainment, and budget your purchase accordingly.

If you or someone you know struggles with their gambling behavior, please contact Choices at www.choicestreatmentcenter.net or via our 24-hour Helpline at 402-476-2300.

There is help. There is hope. You are not alone.

08/27/2025

As the football season gets underway, it is important to remember to bet responsibly.

If you or a loved one is struggling with their gambling behavior, contact Choices at www.choicestreatmentcenter.net or via their 24-hour Helpline at 402-476-2300.

There is help, there is hope. You are not alone.

August 27, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Mike Sciandra, MA, CPSS, IGRS, BARA
Executive Director
(402) 217-1500
betfreemike@gmail.com

NeCPG Encourages Responsible Sports Betting, Knowledge of Problem Gambling Treatment as Football Season Begins

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA — As college football starts its first full week of the season, and the National Football League’s regular season is only days away, Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling’s Executive Director urges sports bettors to practice responsible sports betting behaviors, and wants all Nebraskans to know that free and confidential problem gambling treatment is available in the state.

“From small-town high school football fields to massive college and NFL stadiums, football season is ready to kick off! As the season begins, now is the time to ensure all Nebraskans are aware of the consequences of problem gambling, resources for problem gambling treatment, and education on how to bet responsibly,” states Mike Sciandra, NeCPG Executive Director. “It is easy to get caught up in the allure of betting on sports, but it is important to stick to limits on time, energy, and money. If setting or maintaining gambling limits is a concern for you or a loved one, Nebraska is fortunate to offer free and confidential treatment resources through the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.”

If you choose to bet this football season, some tips to consider to ensure safe sports betting behavior include:

KNOW THE GAME
• Make sure you understand the odds and house edge. Over the long run the house always wins.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
• Know how much you are willing to lose and how long you want to play – set limits of time and money.
RISK
• Know and respect your tolerance for risk.
MONEY
• Never borrow money to gamble.
• Do not gamble money you can’t afford to lose.
TEAM UP
• Consider teaming up with a friend to help each other stick to your personal betting plan.
TIME
• Set a timer on your phone to keep track of time spent betting.
BALANCE
• Balance gambling with other activities.
ENTERTAINMENT
• Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money.
TAKE A BREAK
• When gambling is no longer fun, take a break.
EXPECT TO LOSE
• Hope to win but expect to lose. Remember: you are playing to have a good time, and never chase your losses.

If you or a loved one is struggling with their gambling behavior, please contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or the Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-833-BET-OVER (1-833-238-6837). Both phone numbers are free, confidential, and answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by trained professionals.

For more information about Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling, please visit their website at www.necpg.org.

About NeCPG:
Founded in 1992 as the Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling, the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling (NeCPG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the sole Nebraska affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The mission of NeCPG is to increase public awareness of problem gambling, to encourage availability of treatment services for problem gamblers and their families, and to provide resources for education and prevention. NeCPG is also responsible for promoting and answering the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), and has been instrumental in developing educational opportunities for disordered gambling counselors in Nebraska.

08/15/2025

It was an honor for Choices staff to tour Memorial Stadium and the new Osborne Legacy Complex yesterday. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Huskers Athletic Partners.

Whether you are at the Husker game in person, or listening on the radio, check out messaging from both Choices and the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling (gamblingdisagreeswithyou.com).

Big thanks to the University of Nebraska, Husker Athletics, and Playfly Sports for the opportunity to collaborate in a variety of ways.

08/13/2025

As all Lincoln Public Schools students have now started their school year, Choices wishes all students, teachers, and staff a safe and happy 2025-26 school year!

08/04/2025

Problem gambling prevention, screening, and treatment information, as well as meaningful conversations, with our friends at Matt Talbot.

08/02/2025

Check out the amazing work of Rob and ODAAT that gets into the realities of gambling, and how easily it can become a problematic behavior.

What is gambling addiction? Does America have a massive gambling problem? Is gambling addiction the next opioid crisis? Let's find out.Right Choice Recovery:...

07/19/2025

Congratulations to Lincoln's own Jeremy Eberle for winning the Joanna Franklin Award for Direct Service.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 NCPG National Awards!

Each year the National Council on Problem Gambling honors individuals and organizations from across the US and around the world for their work on problem gambling and responsible gambling.

View the full list of recipients here: https://www.ncpgambling.org/news/national-council-on-problem-gambling-announces-recipients-of-2025-awards/

07/11/2025

Have you heard the news? Choices' Lincoln office has moved!

As our business grows and evolves, our mission to deliver profound and caring treatment to those struggling with addiction and mental health concerns only becomes stronger.

In order to provide high quality treatment in a safe, comfortable, and convenient location, our offices have moved to the Forty Four O Building at 4435 O Street.

While our location has moved a few blocks east, our services and commitment to serve the community has not changed.

So, please pardon our mess while we unpack and make our new space cozy. But do not hesitate to reach out anytime on our 24-hour helpline at 402-476-2300 or on our website, www.choicestreatmentcenter.net.

07/07/2025

Choices is proud of our relationship with Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, and appreciate the opportunity to provide problem gambling screening and information.

We are always willing and ready to offer free problem gambling treatment services to any Nebraskan struggling with their gambling behavior.

07/04/2025

06/19/2025

Choices staff members have been learning and networking this week in Kansas City at the Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse.

It is important for our clinicians to stay educated on the most current topics and treatment methods in addiction therapy.

06/14/2025

If you harass an athlete over a losing sports bet, your gambling behavior might be problematic.

Contact our confidential 24-hour helpline at 402-476-2300 or www.choicestreatmentcenter.net to learn more about free problem gambling treatment available to all Nebraskans.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/scottie-scheffler-deletes-venmo-account-172242288.html

In the latest example of gamblers harassing athletes, U.S. Open favorite Scottie Scheffler has deleted Venmo because disgruntled bettors requested payments from him.