DC Lottery Observes National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March
Washington, D.C. – DC Lottery, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of PGAM.
DC Lottery will offer a variety of resources to increase public awareness of problem gambling, including:
- A social media campaign supporting awareness efforts District-wide using the #PGAM2023 hashtag.
- A ‘Play Responsibly’ brochure that is available at select DC Lottery retailers and can be downloaded at dclottery.com.
- Annual training to re-enforce the commitment to responsible gaming for all DC Lottery staff.
“We recognize the potential risks of problem gambling and its impact on the lives of individuals and families,” says Executive Director, Frank Suarez. “DC Lottery is committed to making sure players understand what the signs of problem gambling are, and most importantly, the resources that are available to get help.”
DC Lottery has a robust Responsible Gaming (RG) program which was developed in 2020 and, while highlighted in March, the program spans the entire year. Key program elements include:
- A self-exclusion program that allows anyone to voluntarily request to be excluded from legalized gaming activities within the District of Columbia. Currently, the self-exclusion program includes 15 people.
- Play Responsibly training for DC Lottery retailers conducted online.
- Offer many tools to help players manage their online gaming activity such as setting bet, deposit, and time limits.
- Online resources and 24/7 support for anyone needing help via the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network.
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits According to the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services, in 2021, an estimated 2.2% of District of Columbia adults were believed to have a gambling problem.
Common signs of a gaming problem:
- You game frequently.
- You borrow money to game.
- You never win enough and always chase losses.
- Your gaming affects your job, relationships, or home life.
- Your life revolves around gaming.
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to stop gaming.
- You have lied to other people about how much time or money you’ve spent or lost.
For more information about problem gambling and to find resources, visit dclottery.com/player-resources/play-responsibly.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7/365, and it is free and confidential.
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About DC Lottery
The DC Lottery generates revenue for the District of Columbia through the sale of innovative lottery and sports wagering products while providing gaming regulation and oversight. Since its inception in 1982, the DC Lottery has awarded more than $4.4 billion in prizes, transferred more than $2.3 billion to the District’s General Fund which supports essential services in the District of Columba, commissioned more than $475 million to Lottery retailers, and has helped local nonprofits raise more than $136.5 million in support of charitable causes.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. 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. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
Release ID: 23-005