TEXAS LOTTERY STEPS UP PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS EFFORTS IN MARCH
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TEXAS LOTTERY STEPS UP
PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS EFFORTS IN MARCH
Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month promotes responsible play, highlights risks, connects Texans with available prevention, education, treatment and recovery resources
AUSTIN — The Texas Lottery will intensify ongoing efforts to promote responsible gambling during this year’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Throughout March, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the Texas Lottery will raise awareness about the risks of harmful gambling habits and the importance of social support and encouragement in connecting individuals with the help they may need. This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“Keeping lottery play positive is a core part of our guiding principles,” said Courtney Arbour, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the Texas Lottery. “Increasing awareness of problem gambling and directing individuals to prevention, treatment and recovery resources strengthens the communities we serve. While most players enjoy lottery games without issue, for some, gambling can become a problem and we want them to know that help is available – and where to find it.”
Problem gambling – defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives – affects millions of Americans. In the past year, according to the NCPG, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior. In the U.S. 2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year. Another 5-8 million (2-3%) are considered to experience mild or moderate gambling problems. As part of this year’s campaign theme, healthcare providers are being encouraged to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.
Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem
- Constantly thinking about gambling
- Feeling the need to bet more money and more often
- Trying to win back losses (aka “chasing losses”)
- Feeling anxious, restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
During the month of March, the Texas Lottery will promote the campaign’s key messages via social media, digital advertisements, signage in stores and claim centers, the Texas Lottery App® and on its website. Lottery retailers and employees of the agency and its primary vendors will be targeted with weekly educational communications.
The Texas Lottery’s Responsible Gambling program, recognized by NCPG, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries and the World Lottery Association, incorporates responsible play messaging into its marketing and communications year-round. Players must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets, a rule reinforced on all ticket and advertising materials, including “Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket” and “PLAY RESPONSIBLY”, as well as through retailer training programs and age verification at lottery vending machines. More than 19,000 retailers statewide are trained to ensure that lottery products are not sold to, or prize-winning tickets redeemed, by minors.
The National Problem Gambling HelplineTM offers free, confidential 24/7 support, including translation services for individuals experiencing gambling-related challenges:
Call 1-800-522-4700
Chat at www.NCPGambling.org/chat.
Additional resources, tips and “Positive Play” materials are available on the Texas Lottery’s dedicated Responsible Gambling webpage, on lottery tickets, in-store and across social media. Information about prevention, education, treatment and recovery services is also available at NCPGambling.org/FAQs.
About the Texas Lottery
The Texas Lottery’s functions and activities are administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating a broad range of professions, occupations and industries in Texas. Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated more than $42.2 billion in revenue for the state and distributed more than $96.2 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $36.2 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Since the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game was launched in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $293.1 million for programs supporting Texas veterans.
The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five® and scratch ticket games. For more information visit us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or at texaslottery.com. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket or enter a promotional second-chance drawing. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.
Editors/News Directors, note: A high-res image of the Problem Gambling Awareness Month logo can be downloaded here. (Right-click on the image for saving options.) When referring to the Texas Lottery as an organization, please use or say, “Texas Lottery” and not “Texas Lottery Commission.”
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