NASPL is partnering with NCPG to increase awareness and understanding of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services
CONCORD, Ohio (February 26, 2025) – This March, in observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month), the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries is once again partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote education, awareness, and access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those affected by problem gambling.
PGAM, now in its 22nd year, is a nationwide grassroots campaign aimed at increasing public understanding of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” highlights the need for greater awareness and empathy for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The campaign also seeks to break down barriers to treatment and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
“At NASPL, we are committed to supporting responsible gambling initiatives and ensuring that players, retailers, and industry professionals have access to critical information and resources. We value our partnership with NCPG, and we are proud to stand with the lottery industry this month in raising problem gambling awareness."
According to NCPG, research shows that while most adults who gamble do so responsibly, approximately 1% of U.S. adults meet the criteria for severe gambling problems. Additionally, about 85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives, with 60% having gambled in the past year.
The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery. PGAM participants can access a variety of educational resources, including toolkits, graphics, and informational materials, through the NCPG website.
Throughout March and beyond, NASPL and NCPG continue their collaboration to enhance responsible gambling education and best practices within the lottery industry. “At NASPL, we are committed to supporting responsible gambling initiatives and ensuring that players, retailers, and industry professionals have access to critical information and resources,” said NASPL Executive Director David Gale. “We value our partnership with NCPG, and we are proud to stand with the lottery industry this month in raising problem gambling awareness."
Beginning in 2014, in collaboration with NCPG and the North Carolina Education Lottery, NASPL has worked to create comprehensive responsible gambling training materials for both lottery employees and retailers; the group effort culminated in the release of specialized training videos to be shared among the membership. From then on, NASPL has continued to grow and evolve its RG efforts and related training components to better serve the evolving industry. Notably, in response to the widespread legalization of sports betting in the U.S., NASPL has updated its Guidelines for Responsible Gambling to incorporate RG protocols tailored to sports betting. And last month, in partnership with the World Lottery Association, NASPL hosted the industry’s first-ever international joint seminar on RG/CSR.
NASPL and NCPG also worked together to establish the Responsible Gambling and Best Practices Verification Program for lotteries seeking to create or improve responsible gambling programs within their jurisdictions. This program marks the first time a segment of the U.S. gambling industry has adopted a responsible gaming framework and independent verification process.
Responsible gambling resources—including Verification Program details, training videos for employees and retailers, and a downloadable Responsible Gambling Toolkit—are available to NASPL members through the NASPL Matrix.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit http://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.
About NASPL
Founded in 1971 as an informal exchange of information among three pioneering lottery directors, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries has grown into an active association representing 53 lottery organizations. NASPL serves as a platform for sharing exclusive research and data, developing standards and best practices, and providing networking and learning opportunities for everyone in the lottery industry.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.