CT Lottery Supports National Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March with the Theme: “Every Story Matters”

WALLINGFORD, CT/February 29, 2024 – Consistent with its long-standing commitment to responsible gambling, the CT Lottery is proudly supporting Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) this March. Partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), and in collaboration with other industry stakeholders, the CT Lottery is spearheading initiatives designed to raise awareness of problem gambling and help foster discussions about prevention, identification, treatment and recovery. This year’s theme, “Every Story Matters,” is a reminder that every narrative, battle and triumph related to problem gambling is significant. By elevating these stories, we can help to foster understanding and support within our communities.

Throughout the month of March, the CT Lottery’s support of PGAM will include a variety of marketing and promotional public service ads to increase awareness. Problem gambling prevention and assistance materials are available in-store, on the CT Lottery’s website and social media accounts, and on billboards across the state. Additionally, the CT Lottery is displaying responsible gambling messages through various other mediums, including television, radio, licensed CT Lottery retailer terminals and physical displays.

“Responsible Gambling is a core value of the CT Lottery, and we continue to remind the public about making healthy choices when it comes to gambling as well as raise awareness about resources for help, so a player in need can be directly connected to professional support,” said Greg Smith, President and CEO of the CT Lottery. “However, none of these resources matter unless you use them when you need them. Don’t be too proud or wait too long to ask for assistance.”

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777, a free and confidential 24-hour service established to provide support, resources, and referrals to treatment and self-help groups for those struggling with gambling-related problems as well as others impacted or concerned with another person’s gambling behavior.

The CT Lottery’s commitment to responsible gambling is reflected in various corporate responsibility initiatives throughout the year. These initiatives include:

• Certification by the NASPL/NCPG Responsible Gambling Verification Program (RGV) at its highest endorsement, the Sustaining Level, making CT Lottery one of the only lotteries in North America to reach this achievement. The RGV Program was created to help lotteries plan and implement effective responsible gambling policies in all aspects of their operations and to recognize those that excel in this area.
• Participating in the annual Holiday Lottery Responsible Giving Campaign sponsored NCPG and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
• Training CT Lottery employees and retailers on responsible gambling and resources available for help.
• Publicizing responsible gambling information in the CT Lottery's newsletter, for which it won an award at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) Annual Conference and Trade Show.

Since 2000, the Lottery has provided over $44 million to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Chronic Gamblers Treatment and Rehabilitation Fund. In fiscal year 2023, the CT Lottery contributed $3.3 million to the fund to support prevention and treatment programs across the state. The CT Lottery is also a proud partner in Responsible Play the CT Way, a coalition consisting of the CT Lottery, the CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), the DMHAS Problem Gambling Services Unit, and gaming industry representatives.

For more information, please visit CTLOTTERY.ORG/ResponsibleGambling.