JEFFERSON CITY – In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), members of the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme is “Awareness + Action.”
Committed to making sure the public understands the warning signs of problem gambling and – most importantly – the resources available to get help, the Alliance is a partnership between the Missouri Gaming Association, Missouri Gaming Commission, Missouri Department of Mental Health, Port Authority of Kansas City and the Missouri Lottery.
Here in Missouri, free help from licensed professionals can be accessed by calling 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), emailing freehelp@888betsoff.org or visiting 888betsoff.org.
Additionally, the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery both offer their own voluntary, self-exclusion lists for problem gamblers.
Approximately two million U.S. adults (one percent of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3 percent) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling. Warning signs include lying to cover up gambling activity and needing to spend more and more money to reach the same level of excitement.
Using the #PGAM2022 hashtag, PGAM brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators that work collaboratively to let people know hope and help exist.
More information can be found at 888betsoff.org, ncpgambling.org, and gamblersanonymous.org.
About the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (888betsoff.org)
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, which was created in 1997, is a partnership between the Missouri Lottery, Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Missouri Gaming Association, Missouri Gaming Commission, Port Authority of Kansas City and a recovery community representative. The purpose of the Alliance is to educate Missourians on the potential characteristics and dangers of problem and compulsive gambling, to refer compulsive gamblers and their family and friends to free treatment through a toll-free helpline, to prevent underage play and to promote responsible gaming.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
Based in Washington DC, the National Council on Problem Gambling is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction by working with all stakeholders. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If gambling becomes a problem, NCPG urges people who gamble, as well as their loved ones, to contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without judgment or shame. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free, anonymous and confidential.