National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

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Keep it Fun
A Message from Louisiana Lottery President Rose J. Hudson in Observance of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week

With a state lottery, a land-based casino, Indian casinos, riverboat casinos, horse racing, racinos and video poker, it's no surprise that gaming is a popular pastime in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals-Office of Addictive Disorders, nearly 68 percent of Louisiana adults report participating in some form of gaming at least once in the past year and the vast majority of them do so responsibly as a form of entertainment. 

 

However, in any given year 1.5 percent meet the criteria for pathological gambling and another 2.87 percent have a less significant but still serious problem known as problem gambling.*  The good news is that help is available. In fact, Louisiana offers several forms of problem gambling treatment, including inpatient, outpatient, private counseling and 12-step meetings. It all starts with a phone call to the toll-free helpline: 1-877-770-7867.

In observance of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week, March 5-11, the Louisiana Lottery Corporation reminds those who enjoy our games to do so responsibly. Here are a few ways you can keep our games fun throughout the year:

  •  Gamble only for fun.
  •  Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment.
  •  Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
  •  Accept losing as part of the game.
  •  Don't borrow money to gamble.
  •  Don't let gambling interfere with family, friends or work.
  •  Don't gamble to win back losses. 
  •  Don't use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
  •  Know the warning signs of problem gambling.

For more information about playing responsibly and other problem gambling resources, click here. 

*Louisiana Department of Health and Hospital's Office of Addictive Disorders 2002 Louisiana Study of Problem Gambling.