Louisiana Lottery Commemorates Problem Gambling Awareness Month

As part of its commitment to promoting responsible play, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation commemorates National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March.

"Our mission is not only to maximize revenue for the state but also to operate with the highest standards of integrity and public trust; one way we do that is through the promotion of responsible gaming," said Lottery President Rose Hudson.

The Lottery takes this effort seriously by distributing problem gambling awareness brochures in all of its retailer play centers; printing the problem gambling helpline number on all tickets, advertising, news releases and sales materials; and encouraging players to adhere to responsible play techniques throughout the year but especially during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Playing responsibly means:

• Thinking of the money spent as the cost of entertainment.
• Setting a dollar and time limit and sticking to it.
• Accepting that losing is part of the game.
•  Never borrowing money to gamble.
• Not allowing gambling to interfere with family, friends or work.
•  Never gambling to win back losses.
•  Not gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
•  Gambling only for fun.
• Learning the warning signs of problem gambling.

The first $500,000 in Lottery proceeds goes to the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health to fund problem gambling prevention and treatment programs, such as the state helpline number, 1-877-770-7867.

More information and resources can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/play-responsibly, on the National Problem Gambling Awareness site, www.npgam.org or by visiting www.dhh.la.gov  and selecting the Office of Behavioral Health’s Addictive Disorders Services.