OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Millions of people have the Mega Millions jackpot on their Christmas wish list. The current grand prize is $825 million — one of the largest jackpots in US history.
They sell dreams in AB’s 66 convenience store in Omaha’s Dundee Neighborhood. Everyone who buys a Mega Millions ticket gets one.
For most people, playing the lottery when the prizes are inflated is no big deal. Just a fleeting moment of “what if?”
“If I won all this money, I would definitely go on a really long vacation, all over the world,” said one customer with a laugh.
“I’d find an investment lawyer and hide,” said another.
But for some people, the dream never ends, especially when there is a chance to win so much money and the lines between fantasy and reality become blurred.
“I’ve actually worked with people who are just lottery players,” Gina Fricke said.
Fricke works at Peace and Power Counseling and treats people who are addicted to gambling. She says it’s okay to bet a few bucks when the lottery jackpots pop up, but only use disposable income.
“If it’s supposed to be money for their utility bill or their rent or their groceries, that’s not disposable income,” Fricke said.
After the lottery draw is over, there are still other things to bet on all around us. Casinos, sports, even keno.
“Statewide, the number of people with a gambling addiction is increasing,” Fricke said. “More people are looking for services. So I risk some money that I can’t afford and then I win, I’m more likely to risk more to try to win it again.”
The Nebraska Gambler’s Assistance Program offers help for Nebraskans and their families who want to stop the wheels of addiction. Gina says that the goal of the program is not to put sticks in the wheel to make a bet forever.
“That could be their goal, but it could also be that they want to reduce their gambling to what they think would be a more manageable level financially for them.”
Like betting a few bucks when the lottery jackpot starts approaching $1 billion.
NGAP is free to all Nebraskans. Anyone needing help should call the helpline at 1-833-238-6837. The program is funded by the state and includes proceeds from the Nebraska Lottery.
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