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March 2020 is Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Pennsylvania
By Shane Addinall Mar 09, 2020 IndustryPennsylvania has thrown its full support behind March 2020 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month with a new website, downloadable toolkits and on-the-ground appearances to meet people in need!March is recognised across the USA as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) and is supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling:
“Groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counsellor training, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and many other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.”
The theme for PGAM in March 2020 is “Awareness + Action”, which they promote across social media channels using the hashtag: #AwarenessPlusAction
First Out Of The Gate
This year the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has gone all out in support of PGAM by launching a website aimed specifically at promoting the tools and resources needed to help gamblers detect the early warning signs of problem gambling, gain access to treatment and ultimately safeguard their families.
Director of the PGCB’s Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, Elizabeth Lanza, said:
“Gambling addiction is real, is preventable and is treatable, and the PGCB and its partners want all PA citizens who face the perils of problem gambling to know that treatment is available and effective.”
Pennsylvania gamblers can find a range of local support options and information on ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov in addition to a toll-free hotline for those who are at their wit's end.
PA Takes Measurable Action
In addition to their information-rich website the PGCB also partnered with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction to create a gambling screening kit. The kit is downloadable via the PGCB website and is intended to “help people decide whether to seek a formal evaluation of their gambling behaviour”.
This simple test is a great first step in determining if you’re just a fan of the online gambling and can manage to enjoy it responsibly versus someone who uses gambling as a crutch or relies on it in an unhealthy way.
The PGCB will also have team members available to discuss your needs and concerns at several events around PA. Feel free to look them up:
- March 11th, 18th and 25th – 11am to 1pm – Capitol Building mini-rotunda in Harrisburg
- March 12th – 8am to 4pm – The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA’s West Conference in Pittsburgh.
For information on gambling related events across America be sure to visit the events section of the NCPGs official website.
13 Years Of Ongoing Support
Kevin F O’Toole, Director of the Gaming Control Board, reiterated the long-standing commitment he and his team have to ensuring the safety of their constituents, stating:
“Our agency has made outreach for individuals with gambling disorders a priority since the opening of the first casinos in Pennsylvania over 13 years ago. As new forms of gaming were rolled out over the past year, the PGCB made sure that new tools and resources, including online self-imposed limits and responsible gambling pages are available through each iGaming site to assist individuals in gambling responsibly.”
No matter where in the world you find yourself, if you or a loved one is suffering under any form of compulsive disorder please find the nearest local support organisations and speak to their trained counselors today to begin your journey to freedom.
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