Louisiana Lottery Promotes Responsible Play During National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Lottery Corporation observes National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) this March, joining the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG), and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in educating the public about the signs of problem gambling and stressing the importance of responsible gaming. 

As a member of the NCPG, the Lottery will adopt the 2026 national PGAM theme “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures” to emphasize the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. When communities come together to increase public understanding of problem gambling, silence is replaced with support and isolation is replaced with connection. 

“The Louisiana Lottery recognizes the role public awareness plays in helping our communities offer support for those who may struggle with problem gambling, which is why we are steadfast in our commitment to promoting responsible play,” said Lottery President Rose Hudson. “We want to ensure our games remain what they are designed to be —a form of entertainment.” 

The Louisiana Lottery is committed to promoting responsible gaming and supporting the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. As outlined in the Lottery’s statute, the first $500,000 of annual Lottery proceeds is dedicated to problem gambling programs administered by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health. The Lottery also includes the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling’s Problem Gambling Helpline number on all tickets, advertising, news releases, and sales materials, and periodically conducts “Play Responsibly” public service campaigns to encourage informed play. In addition, responsible play tips and problem gambling warning signs are featured on the Lottery’s website and in its Play It Smart brochure, available in retailer play centers. During the observance, the Lottery will further promote problem gambling awareness through its website and social media channels. 

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2.5 million U.S. 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 have mild or moderate gambling problems. According to a 2016 Problem Gambling Prevalence Study conducted by the Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health, 5.4% of Louisianians have the potential for problem gambling disorder and another 2.9% meet the criteria for a pathological gambling disorder. 

Problem gambling experts recommend a quick three-question screening to help players determine whether they may have a gambling problem: 

1. During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling? 
2. During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
3. During the past 12 months, did you experience financial trouble as a result of your gambling that required help with living expenses from family, friends, or public assistance? 

The Lottery encourages those who may have a problem with gambling or have a loved one who may have a gambling problem to contact the state’s Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867), which is operated by the LACG. 

Additional responsible play and problem gambling information and resources can be found on the Lottery’s website, Play Responsibly | Louisiana Lottery Corporation the Office of Behavioral Health’s Addictive Disorders Services website, https://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/95 , on the LACG website, www.helpforgambling.org and the NCPG website, www.ncpgambling.org.  

About Louisiana Lottery Corporation
Established in 1991, Louisiana Lottery Corporation responsibly generates revenue for Louisiana’s K-12 public education while operating with efficiency, integrity, and public trust. Celebrating 35 years in 2026, the Lottery has transferred over $5 billion to the state since its inception. Offering draw-style, scratch-off, and Fast Play games, the Lottery delivers fun and excitement for players while emphasizing responsible play. For the latest news, winning numbers, and player resources, visit LouisianaLottery.com or connect with us on social media at Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.     

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