​(Dodge City, Kansas) – The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce today announced its commitment as a participant of the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
 
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
 
“We believe that an informed society is the best defense against problem gambling,” said Debbie Snapp, Chair of the Taskforce. “Research shows that early childhood exposure to gambling, often initiated through the receipt of lottery tickets as gifts, increases the risk of developing gambling problems later in life. By being part of the 'Gift Responsibly Campaign,' we aim to elevate societal awareness about these risks, promote responsible gambling and gifting habits, and thereby reduce the incidence of youthful problem gambling.”
 
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce has signed on to the 2023 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant. During November and December, the Taskforce will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use through public service announcements and social media reminders.
 
“The potential long-term risks associated with underage gambling exposure cannot be understated,” said Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director. “I commend each Gift Responsibly Campaign participant for their commitment to raising awareness about the risks of youth gambling. Now, more than ever, we must continue to insist that lottery tickets are never appropriate gifts for children.”
 
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Taskforce is dedicated to fostering responsible gambling habits, supporting preventative measures and endorsing sustainable practices in southwest Kansas. Through this campaign, the Taskforce aims to extend their commitment to responsible gifting, addressing the often-overlooked issue of underage lottery use.
 
About the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force is to raise awareness and provide education to individuals, families and communities to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. The Task Force is neither for nor against gambling, but concentrates on efforts to help those affected by problem gambling through public awareness, prevention and education programs and ensuring resources are available to problem gamblers and their families.
 
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. 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. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.
 
About International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University
For over 20 years, the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University has been at the forefront of leading-edge research aimed at identifying and understanding the critical factors related to youth gambling issues.

Members present: Debbie Snapp, Juan Baez, Christa Roy, Dawn Snodgrass, Kevin Ford, Ethel Schneweis, Joy Schwartz and Amanda Boles.
 
Members present by phone: Meeting conducted through Google Meet.
 
Call to order and approve agenda: Debbie Snapp
 
Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes were not available and will be reviewed and approved next month.
 
Fiscal agent Financial Report: The financial report was reviewed.
 
Agenda Item 1: Public Awareness: Debbie Snapp led a discussion regarding March Madness advertising. It was decided to advertise with KWCH for 2000.00 and to renew the ad campaign for another year with the sports radio station.
 
Agenda Item 2: Membership: There are no new members at this time. Amy had recruitment packets available for task force members to take with them.
 
Agenda Item 3: Education: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 4: Data Collection: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 5: KDADS update: Juan gave the following KDADS update:

• The Problem Gambling Awareness Month Toolkit is now available on the National Council on Problem Gambling website. The toolkit includes social media ideas, frequently asked questions, proclamation templates, press releases, and Gambling Disorder Screening Day (March 8) information. Please reach out to your respective specialist for help and technical assistance.
• The Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse released a Call for Proposals and will be accepting applications to present until February 14. The consortium will also be releasing a new website soon.
• The National Council on Problem Gambling released Agility grants that will help fund community prevention efforts. The grants will be awarded via a competitive application process to non-profit community organizations. The primary populations the grants are designed to do outreach to include high school and college athletes, marginalized communities and of color, and middle school students. The application deadline will be February 22 and awards will be announced in March 2022. For more information, please go the National Council on Problem Gambling website.
• The Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling's workshop with Brianne Doura-Schawol regarding sports betting was a success. There were over 140 people registered for the event on February 10.

 
Old Business: Debbie led a discussion regarding sports betting updates.
 
New Business: No new business to discuss.

Next Meeting Reminder: March 10, 2022

​Time of Adjournment: 2:30 p.m.

Members present: Amy Falcon, Debbie Snapp, Dawn Snodgrass, Juan Baez, Christa Roy, Larissa Craig, and Ethel Schneweis
 
Members present by phone: Meeting conducted through Google Meet.
 
Call to order and approve agenda: Amy Falcon
 
Review and Approval of Minutes: The minutes were not available and will be reviewed and approved next month.
 
Fiscal agent Financial Report: The financial report was not available for the meeting.
 
Agenda Item 1: Public Awareness: Amy led a discussion regarding the current advertising campaigns. These include radio, YMCA in Dodge City and Garden City, movie theater in Dodge City and billboards in Dodge City and Garden City.
 
Agenda Item 2: Membership: There are no new members at this time. Amy had recruitment packets available for task force members to take with them.
 
Agenda Item 3: Education: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 4: Data Collection: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 5: KDADS update: Juan gave the following KDADS update:

• The latest version of the NGAGE survey results on attitudes and awareness focused on sports betting; NGAGE 2.0, should be available soon.
• NCPG created different type of subsites in order to do advocacy and awareness with different populations and issues. This includes ncpgsurvery.org for the NGAGE survey, operationresponsiblegambling.org for military, and responsibleplay.org for responsible gambling.
• The Gift Responsibly Campaign to encourage responsible gifting of lottery tickets and not to youth was participated in by 100% of state lotteries and many more non-lottery organizations. The campaign has also been designed to be used throughout the year.
• The NCPG 2022 conference will take place in Boston. The dates will be July 20th and 23rd and the main conference will be July 21st and 22nd. The digital symposium will take place June 8th and 9th.

• The NFL Foundation grant was provided to NCPG by the NFL. This will be a 3- year grant that will be approximately $2 million per year for 3 years. This funding will help with helpline improvements, prevention grants, and other initiatives.
• NCPG reports that calls to the helpline are on pace to be the largest since 2015.
• 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of NCPG. A new logo for the anniversary will be created.
• The NFL has been running commercial spots during all their games to encourage responsible gambling.
• Draft Kings is providing grant funding to the 35 NCPG affiliate chapters in the amount of $15,000 per year for 3 years. Applications are being accepted for this funding.

 
Old Business: No old business to discuss.

New Business: No new business to discuss.

Next Meeting Reminder: January 13, 2022

Time of Adjournment: 2:30 p.m.

Members present:
Amy Falcon, Debbie Snapp, Dawn Snodgrass, Juan Baez, Christa Roy, and Ethel Schneweis
 
Members present by phone: Meeting conducted through Google Meet

Call to order and approve agenda: Amy Falcon
 
Review and Approval of Minutes:
The minutes were not available and will be reviewed and approved next month.
 
Fiscal agent Financial Report: The financial report was not available for the meeting.
 
Agenda Item 1: Public Awareness: Amy led a discussion regarding the updated movie theater advertising campaign. There will now be 75,000 impressions throughout the year and 12 weeks of free mobile advertising, which will be 39,000 impressions.
 
Agenda Item 2: Membership: There are no new members at this time. Amy had recruitment packets available for task force members to take with them.
 
Agenda Item 3: Education: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 4: Data Collection: Nothing to report.
 
Agenda Item 5: KDADS update: Juan gave the following KDADS update:

• The KCPG has confirmed Brianne Doura-Schawohl for a workshop for February 10, 2022. The workshop will be 9-noon on sports betting. Brianne has a background in lobbying at the national level and will include information about sports betting that would be good for decision makers to hear.
• The state administrative services survey for problem gambling has been completed (September 10). It will be published early 2022. It is a compilation of all participating states. The funding they receive for their program and services provided. You can review the last one that was done in 2016, should you have an interest.   It is located at this link: www.naadgs.org "2016 National Survey Problem Gambling Services."
• Task forces were developed by NCPG to give recommendations to the board on the topics of Complaint Processes, Helpline and other Key Issues, Support and Evaluation of ED, Affiliate Subcommittee on Relationship Building, and NCPG Committee Structure Review Task Force.
• The NCPG Board approved staff to move forward with negotiations to hold the 2023 NCPG National Conference in Washington, D.C.

• NCPG put out a request for proposal (RFP) for a grant administration consultant for the funding NCPG received from the NFL.
• Upcoming deadlines include 11/15 for signing up for the Gift Responsibly campaign for organizations to be included on the website and press release of those involved in the campaign.
• The call for proposals for presentations for the 2022 conference are being accepted until 11/30.
• The newest version of the NCPG strategic plan/framework is in the last stages for approval and implementation.
• The newest Legislative Director for NCPG has been hired and recently started. His name is Cole Wagoman. He is an attorney who as experience in working on gambling legislation.
• The task force quarterly report is due on 11/15/ 21.
• Prevention Legislative Advocacy Day 2022 will be on January 26th and 27th if virtual and the 26th in person. A survey was sent out to see preferences for whether the event should be live or virtual. We will send more details as they become available.

 
Old Business: No old business to discuss.
 
New Business: Christa led a discussion regarding Women's Night Out in Garden City on December 14, 2021. She will have a booth. Amy will provide her with 300 hand sanitizers and brochures to hand out.
 
Next Meeting Reminder: December 9, 2021
Time of Adjournment: 2:30 p.m.