March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Awareness+Action campaign highlights prevention, treatment, and recovery services available to address problem gambling
WASHINGTON, DC– Recognizing the potential hazards of problem gambling and its impact on the lives of individuals and families, the DC Lottery has again partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to participate in National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Now in its 16th year, National Problem Gambling Awareness Month marshals subject matter experts, gaming entities, and others to enhance efforts around this important issue. With this year’s theme: Awareness+Action, the goal of the campaign is to highlight prevention, treatment, and recovery services available to address problem gambling. Healthcare providers are encouraged to employ strategies to identify the concern including screening clients for problem gambling.
NCPG operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). This 24-hour confidential national hotline helps callers connect with programs, resources, and counselors. The helpline reported that in 2018, a call was received from someone seeking help every 2.1 minutes signaling the significance of the issue. Those wanting to use this service can do so by phone, email, or text. An online gambling recovery program is also available.
The DC Lottery routinely reminds players to “Play Responsibly” with helpline information and online resources permanently housed on its website. To bolster its efforts in this area, the DC Lottery will participate in the 2019 Responsible Gambling Verification Program. This joint project of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries and NCPG connects lotteries with resources and problem gambling experts to strengthen programs that recognize, address, and ultimately avoid the dangers of problem gambling.
###