The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) are presenting this week Problem Gambling Awareness 2010, a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally.
In Pennsylvania several state agencies are working together to highlight “National Problem Gambling Awareness Week,” March 7-13, and to ensure Pennsylvanians with a gambling addiction know that help is available. The state departments of Health, Revenue, and Agriculture – along with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board – offer information on counseling and treatment services.
“Most people are able to gamble without harmful consequences,” said Health Secretary Everette James. “But for anyone who develops a problem, it is important for them to be aware of the resources that can help them to overcome it.” The Department of Health has approved 57 problem gambling treatment providers across the state to provide counseling services to those in need. Assistance is also available by calling the department’s 24-hour Gambling Addiction hotline. The free call is confidential and anonymous.
“Most adults who participate in legalized gaming in Pennsylvania do not have a problem. However, research shows that roughly one to three percent of Americans will develop a gambling problem sometime in life and,
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unfortunately, only 10 percent of those persons seek treatment,” said Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt.
“National Problem Gambling Awareness Week not only heightens awareness of the issue, but lets affected persons know of ways to identify a problem and treatment options.”
The Pennsylvania Lottery, administered by the Department of Revenue, and the Pennsylvania Racing Commissions are committed to the promotion of responsible gambling. This year, in addition to creating a new informational handout on female gamblers, the PGCB has adapted a public service announcement, developed by the National Council on Problem Gambling, to provide the toll-free helpline number operated by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.
The American Gaming Association’s 13th annual Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW) will be held August 2-6, 2010, providing an opportunity for the gaming industry to come together to educate employees, patrons and the public about the importance of responsible gaming and keeping it fun. (E-03.10.10)
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