Just four days into Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a flurry of announcements are coming from individual states showing support and enhancing capabilities for people in need.
One of those is the Nutmeg State. The Connecticut Lottery (CTL) announced its long-standing support for the month on Monday and partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), and other industry stakeholders, to undertake new initiatives to raise problem gambling awareness and help start prevention, identification, treatment and recovery discussions.
"Seeking Understanding,” is this year's CTL theme and focuses on increasing problem gambling awareness as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition fostering greater recognition and individual empathy, breaks down treatment barriers, and provides support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related issues.
Throughout the month, CTL will roll out a campaign featuring a variety of PSAs across multiple platforms. From in-store displays to billboards, social media, and the CTL website, the public will have access to problem gambling prevention and assistance resources, featuring responsible gambling messages on TV, radio, retail terminals, and physical displays throughout the state.
“Responsible Gambling is at the core of everything we do at the CT Lottery,” said Frank Suarez, President and CEO of the CT Lottery in the news release. “We’re here to remind people to make healthy choices when it comes to gambling and to provide accessible resources for those in need. It’s not enough to just have these resources available, we need people to use them. Don’t wait, don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed.”
Just last year alone, CTL contributed over $3.3 million to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Chronic Gamblers Treatment and Rehabilitation Fund, which supports prevention and treatment programs across the state. The CTL is also a proud partner in Responsible Play the CT Way, a coalition consisting of the CT Lottery, CCPG, the DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, and gaming industry representatives.
CT residents if in need
For anyone who feels they or someone they know may be struggling with gambling, the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-888-789-7777 or ccpg.org) offers free, confidential support around the clock, 24/7/365. The Helpline connects individuals with resources, treatment options, and self-help groups for themselves as well as others impacted or concerned with another person’s gambling behavior.
NCPG officially announces PGAM Monday
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced the annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), which falls in March. Each year, PGAM is dedicated to increasing public understanding of problem gambling as a mental health issue, removing obstacles in the way of care, and encouraging conversations about the impact gambling can have on individuals, families, and communities.
