By Meghan Dougherty
Colorado Lottery, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC), dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
PGAM is a crucial opportunity to engage the Colorado community in a dialogue about the impact and risk of gambling-related harm on individuals and their loved ones. This annual observance provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of support services for those affected and generally raise awareness regarding the problem itself. In Colorado, a few of the organizations that offer services to people who may have a gambling problem and their loved ones are the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and peer support services through Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Gam-Anon, Debtors Anonymous (DA), and Gamtalk.
The Lottery has made critical strides in enhancing its responsible gambling efforts in recent years. Colorado is the first state of only two total to have installed underage verification on every Lottery kiosk in the state. The Lottery has also increased its financial commitment five times over in the last five years, and continues to pursue additional responsible gambling certifications and accreditations.The Lottery recently started underage compliance checks across the state to ensure Lottery tickets are not being sold to minors. Problem gambling messages can be found on every kiosk, at every retailer, and game ticket, all year long.
Throughout March, Coloradans will have an opportunity to learn about problem gambling, the Lottery’s efforts to minimize harm, and engage with PGAM activities and relevant information shared via Lottery’s digital platforms throughout the month. National Gambling Disorder Screening Day is March 12. This is an opportunity for Coloradans to participate in a self screening. On March 27, the Lottery will join other gaming organizations and problem gambling partners in the state for a special day at the Capitol to raise awareness about problem gambling and the efforts Colorado is making to keep players safe.
All month, groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor training, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and engage in other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
“Our players’ health and operating ethically is a priority for the Colorado Lottery,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “In addition to increasing our monetary commitment to player safety and attaining the highest level of responsibility, by hiring a dedicated player health program manager, we hope to take our responsible gaming efforts to the next level, driving the vision for the entire industry.”
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the mild or moderate problem gambling criteria.
Data shows for every individual impacted by problem gambling, an additional 8-10 people feel those effects. These effects can ripple through a person’s relationships, employment, physical and mental health, result in criminal activity, and more. Problem gambling is often referred to as the hidden addiction because the signs and symptoms are not always visible as with other addictions. Recognizing and participating in PGAM helps to reduce the shame and stigma associated with problem gambling and normalize access to support services when needed. Common warning signs of problem gambling include experiencing financial strain, lying about gambling activities, or difficulty controlling gambling habits.
The Colorado Lottery is one of few lotteries across the nation to have a full-time dedicated player safety staff member. Colorado is among just 10 lotteries in the country that have reached the highest level, Level 4, certification for Responsible Gaming from the World Lottery Association (WLA). The WLA and its certified lotteries are committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility and the WLA Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework. The Lottery has also submitted for the Parallel Verification through the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and NCPG’s Responsible Gambling Verification Program.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month promotes essential awareness for individuals affected by problem gambling, as well as their impacted loved ones,” said Amanda Quintana, the Lottery’s new Player Health Program Manager. “The Colorado Lottery stands behind initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. We believe player health is public health. For anyone experiencing problems related to gambling activities, we want to amplify the message that help and hope are available, and recovery is possible. Assistance for problem gambling remains readily available in Colorado, not only during March but throughout the entire year.”
PGAM brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators – Colorado Gaming Association (CGA), Colorado Division of Gaming, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), Kindbridge, National Council on Problem Gambling, and DraftKings. These organizations work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit http://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling, go to www.ncpgambling.org/pgam and Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.
About Colorado Lottery
Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $4 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife; and to schools through Building Excellent Schools Today. Proceeds from sales of Colorado Lottery games – Scratch, Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3 – enhance, protect, and improve parks, trails, and open space in Colorado. For more information, visit coloradolottery.com.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
Meghan Dougherty is Communications Manager for the Colorado Lottery.