Lottery Promotes Problem Gambling Awareness Month
SACRAMENTO – Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is nationally recognized during the month of March and is designed to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of treatment and recovery services. Every March, the California Lottery (Lottery) joins the California Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) and other responsible gaming advocates in support of PGAM to promote the state’s Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, where free confidential treatment services are provided by OPG. Recovery services are also available by texting SUPPORT to 5332 or by visiting 800gambler.chat. The Lottery supports PGAM through campaign advertisements on social media, newspapers, radio, and on its draw game tickets. Responsible Gambling Guidelines brochures are also available at Lottery’s retail locations.
Gambling disorders can contribute to poor mental and physical health, financial troubles, and problems with loved ones. The PGAM campaign highlights that it is never too late to turn your life around and get free and confidential help provided by OPG. Since 2010, OPG’s California Gambling Education and Treatment Services program, has provided treatment to thousands of individuals who have suffered negative impacts due to a gambling disorder. Treatment services may include brief interventions, one-on-one counseling, and even residential care. All treatment services are provided by licensed mental health providers trained in the treatment of gambling disorders.
As a recipient of the highest responsible gaming recognition from the World Lottery Association, the Lottery continues to ensure that responsible gaming considerations are part of its daily operations and programs. To learn more about the California Lottery’s Responsible Gaming Program visit https://www.calottery.com/play-responsibly.
For information on problem gambling awareness and treatment programs, visit OPG’s website http://problemgambling.ca.gov. For more information on National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/programs/pgam/.
The California Lottery’s mission is to provide supplemental funding to California public schools, including kindergarten and grades 1-12, community colleges, the California State University, the University of California, and other California public educational entities. The funds the Lottery transfers to public education total approximately $1.8 billion for fiscal year 2018-19, which amounts to a modest percentage of education’s overall budget. However, this funding is largely non-discretionary, meaning schools can use this for important, yet unfunded instructional programs they would otherwise not afford. During the same period the Lottery generated almost $7 billion in sales, more than 95% of which goes back to the community in the form of prize payments, retailer commissions and bonuses, and contributions to education. The California Lottery urges its customers to play responsibly. Problem gambling resources are available to anyone at 1-800-GAMBLER.
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