Louisiana Lottery Observes National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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BATON ROUGE – During the month of March, the Louisiana Lottery is joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) in their efforts to encourage responsible play by observing national Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). 
 
“The Louisiana Lottery is committed to help raise awareness of problem gambling and support the efforts of NCPG and LACG to provide help to those who need it,” said Lottery President Rose Hudson. “Our games are meant to be a fun form of entertainment and we are determined to help our players keep it that way by stressing the importance of playing responsibly.” 
 
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, advertisements, news releases and sales materials; and encouraging players to adhere to responsible play techniques throughout the year but especially during the national observance.
 
In addition, the first $500,000 in Lottery proceeds each year goes to the Problem and Compulsive Gambling dedicated state fund that is managed through the Louisiana Department of Health-Office of Behavioral Health. The funds are used to assist with problem gambling services, prevention and treatment programs, such as the state Helpline number, 1-877-770-STOP (7867), which is answered by the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling.
 
“LACG appreciates the Louisiana Lottery’s ongoing support in raising awareness of problem gambling in our state,” said LACG Executive Director Janet Miller. “It is extremely important to us that problem gamblers know that they don’t have to struggle alone and that free help is available 24/7.” 
 
Playing responsibly means:
  • Gambling only for fun.
  • Setting a dollar limit and sticking to it.
  • Thinking of the money spent as the cost of entertainment.
  • Accepting losing as part of the game.
  • Never borrowing money to gamble.
  • Not allowing gambling to interfere with relationships with family, friends or work.
  • Never gambling to win back losses.
  • Not gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
More information and resources can be found on the Lottery’s website, www.louisianalottery.com/play-responsibly, on the NCPG website, www.ncpgambling.org, on the LACG website, www.helpforgambling.org, or by visiting www.dhh.la.gov and selecting the Office of Behavioral Health’s Addictive Disorders Services.