STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Those worried about problem gambling and wishing to avoid temptation by watching the Super Bowl on Sunday have another option, thanks to Gamblers Anonymous (GA) of Staten Island.

The Bob O and Jim P Pasta Bowl will take place on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2018 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head. The doors will open at 5 p.m.

The annual event presents a fun, social option for anyone who would prefer not to be at a Super Bowl party for fear of gambling temptation, whether or not they are currently a member of GA, said Bruce W., a 53-year member of the organization.

GA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with each other to solve a common problem of compulsive gambling through a 12-step program, based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Gambling and gambling addiction have risen dramatically on Staten Island in recent years, said a member of GA, who asked to remain anonymous.

“They legalized gambling, and the way they advertise it, over and over, they lure you in with offers that sound so tempting,‘‘ another anonymous GA member told the Advance/SILivecom. ”There’s only one true way to stop gambling, and that’s through Gambler’s Anonymous.”

No one attending a GA meeting ever will be asked their name, he said, adding, “When you go there, it’s very private. What you say there, stays there.”

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees, because the meetings are self-supporting through contributions.

Sunday’s Pasta Bowl party is for members, but is open to anyone concerned about their gambling habits.

“The meeting is for all Gambler Anonymous members who do not want to watch the game,‘’ said Bruce W. ”If you think you have a gambling problem, please come to the meeting. And, of course, pasta will be served.”

The accessibility of legal mobile sports betting, giving people the opportunity to continue to place bets during the game, is fueling gambling addiction among a booming population of young gamblers, members of Staten Island’s recovering gambling community previously told the Advance/SILive.com.

Much of today’s compulsive gambling takes place on cell phones, where New Yorkers can legally place sports and casino wagers 24-7 since January 2022.

“All they have to do is push a button, keep pushing a button, and in one game you can lose thousands of dollars,’’ Mark B., a GA member, previously told the Advance/SILive.com.

“When you’re not touching the money … it just doesn’t seem real,” he explained.

And while some can dabble in a healthy way, others battle a “hidden addiction,’’ with no telltale physical signs and problems only surfacing after life-altering consequences occur, according to experts from GA and the state Office of Addiction and Services and Supports (OASAS).

Compulsive gambling affects adults of all income levels and age groups, according to OASAS, but support is available on Staten Island.

Staten Island GA meetings

Currently GA offers the following weekly meetings on Staten Island:

Sundays: 7 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2018 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head

Mondays: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., St.Francis Church, 500 Todt Hill Rd., Todt Hill

Wednesdays: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., St. Francis Church, 500 Todt Hill Rd., Todt Hill

Thursdays: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., St. Francis Church, 500 Todt Hill Rd., Todt Hill

Saturdays: 10:15 a.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2018 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head

On Saturdays, at 10:30 a.m. there is a weekly phone-in meeting. No PIN is required. The number to dial is 508-924-5582.