CLEVELAND – For the 15th year, the Ohio Lottery Commission in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling dedicates March to problem gambling awareness, aiming to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of recovery services.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a grassroots effort that brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling experts who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
The Lottery has joined the National Council on Problem Gambling to help educate the public about problem gambling warning signs and to promote the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-9966), where individuals can call confidentially for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gambling may be a problem when it:
• Causes financial problems;
• Harms relationships with friends or loved ones;
• Interferes with work, school or other activities; and/or
• Impacts physical or mental health.
The Ohio Lottery provides funds for prevention and treatment of problem gambling, with specialized trainings and treatment centers across Ohio. In addition, the Ohio Lottery dedicates funding for responsible gambling and problem gambling awareness campaigns.
Additionally, in a joint effort the Ohio Lottery and the Ohio Casino Control Commission will launch the new Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) on March 1. This program permits individuals who believe they currently have or may be at-risk of developing a gambling problem to enter into an agreement with these two state agencies to refrain from entering all seven racinos and four casinos. The new VEP process relieves the undo stress of visiting several properties to enroll in the program, provides tools and resources for recovery.
Additional information on problem gambling and treatment options in the State of Ohio can be found on our website at www.ohiolottery.com/Resources/Play-Responsibly, by visiting the ORG website at www.org.ohio.gov, or calling the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
For information on this national campaign, visit https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/programs/pgam/
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