WASHINGTON, DC – As the Mega Millions jackpot has reached record levels, the National Council on Problem Gambling urges consumers to protect themselves against excessive gambling and calls upon lotteries and the media to promote responsible gambling messages.
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, states, “The media and consumer interest in high lottery jackpots creates an opportunity to provide responsible gambling messages designed to help people who choose to gamble make informed decisions about their play.”  Responsible gambling efforts should be made by lottery operators and players alike.
Here are four simple responsible gambling tips to know and share:

• Set a limit of time and money spent gambling.
• Don’t gamble to escape feelings of anxiety, stress or depression.
• Know where to get help for a gambling problem.
• Minors are prohibited from most forms of gambling.

Whyte notes “Lotteries play an important role in reminding retailers and players about the minimum age to play and in educating their players about simple steps to promote responsible gambling.”
State lotteries and media are asked to incorporate responsible gambling messaging and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) into their upcoming promotion and coverage of the Mega Millions jackpot.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700 or www.ncpgambling.org/chat) is the single national point of access for problem gambling help. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all 50 states. All calls are confidential and offer local information and referral options for problem gamblers and their families. In 2017 the Helpline received 233,000 calls, an average of one call every two minutes.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national advocate for problem gamblers and their families. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gambling. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org/chat for confidential help.

A recent problem gambling prevalence and awareness survey revealed the extent to which Kansans are exposed to the risks associated with problem gambling. Problem gambling is considered a behavioral disorder that can be diagnosed and treated by certified problem gambling counsellors who are licensed by the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services. 

The vast majority of Kansans who gamble do so responsibly. But for the segment of gamblers who succumb to disordered gambling behavior the consequences can be devastating in terms of financial consequences, harm to relationships, job loss, mood disorders and even suicidal thoughts. 

Making matters worse, there is evidence of strong correlations between problem gambling and other behavioral and mental health disorders including substance abuse disorders and other psychological illnesses. 

When the Kansas Legislature enacted legislation authorizing state-owned casinos, the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund was created to provide treatment, communications services, community support, and public awareness programs to mitigate the harmful consequences experienced by problem gamblers and their families.

The breadth of services is comprehensive but conveniently accessed through a single Problem Gambling Helpline where trained professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

1-800-522-4700 will connect problem gamblers, friends, and families to information about the warning signs and symptoms of a problem gambling disorder and the options available to individuals and their families. 

• Referral to certified problem gambling treatment counsellors located throughout Kansas 
• Information about state-funded reimbursement for treatment which is available at no cost to problem gamblers, family members and others affected by the problem. The State of Kansas will supplement insurance co-pays, deductible, or the entire cost for uninsured families including associated transportation costs for up to 12 counselling session for anyone diagnosed with a gambling addiction. Treatment beyond those 12 sessions is available if a mental health professionals considers it necessary. 
• Contact information for Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon. 
• Information and referral to the Voluntary Exclusion program that gives Problem Gamblers the option of self-exclusion from entering any of the state-owned casinos in Kansas. In addition they will be prohibited from cashing checks or using credit cards and will be removed from casino mailing lists. 

Calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline are confidential. 

According to Kansas Coalition For Problem Gambling president Joyce Markham many gambling addicts report substantial financial losses. “The problem gambler may feel the only way to quickly get back that money is to gamble more and more, desperately chasing their losses. This can lead to a downward spiral of increasingly negative consequences. The longer you gamble, the more likely you are to lose,” according to Marham. 

Data collected at the commencement of problem gambling treatment indicates over 80% of those with the disorder have outstanding gambling debt and nearly as many relied on others for money. About 30% engage in illegal acts to cover their outstanding debt or filed for bankruptcy. Not surprisingly the majority of problem gamblers suffer trouble with personal relationships. 
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With expansion of state-owned casinos planned for Southeast Kansas and increasing availability of internet gaming, Kansans’ access to gambling will continue to grow. But so is the availability of services and programs Kansans have to mitigate the associated risks and potentially negative consequences that can arise when gambling becomes problematic. 

Knowing the difference between gambling, and having a gambling problem, is worth knowing. For example, have you ever tried to stop, cut down or control your gambling? Have you ever lied to family members, friends or others about how much you gamble or how much money you lost gambling? Have there been periods of two weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about your gambling experiences or planning future gambling ventures or bets? 
Click here to take a more detailed self-assessment now. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with a gambling problem, no cost help is available by calling 800-522-4700.

In commemoration of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Governor Sam Brownback commended community groups and statewide coalitions in Kansas that promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers and their families. 

In the proclamation, Brownback cited the Kansas Coalition Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane, and Kansas City. 

The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community stakeholders who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and provide problem gambling treatment services in their locales. 

“The volunteers who join the regional task forces make an invaluable contribution to ensure Kansas communities enjoy the economic benefits of state owned casino gaming while mitigating the potential negative consequences associated with all forms of problem gambling.”

Task force volunteers represent multiple community sectors including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. To continue strengthening their capabilities and resources, the Kansas Department For Aging and Disability Services that administers the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund invites community stakeholders to get involved with these regional prevention efforts through KDADS or www.ksproblemgambling.com that contains contact information and links.

Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic background and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole.

These individuals, professionals and organizations have dedicated their efforts to the education of the public about problem gambling risk factors, the availability of treatment, and harnessing community resources so those exposed to the risks and negatively impacted by problem gambling can get the support they need. 

KDADS Secretary Kari Bruffett echoed the Governor’s proclamation. “Kansas is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers across the state who work tirelessly in community outreach and developing local programs to mitigate the personal and social risks associated with problem gambling. The regional task forces bring perspective, community relationships, prevention and treatment expertise, and the ability to mobilize resources needed to engage community stakeholders and the Kansas families who are at risk.” 

Those risks are persistent so there’s an ongoing need for others across the spectrum in those communities to get involved by contacting their regional Problem Gambling Task Force. 

TOPEKA - Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation on February 25th to designate March as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Kansas. Stakeholders who promote awareness of the services and programs available to problem gamblers Kansas participated in the ceremony. 
Stakeholder groups involved in statewide problem gambling services include the Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance and community task forces in the gambling zones surrounding state-owned casinos in Dodge City, Mulvane and Kansas City.

The Southwest Kansas, Northeast Kansas, and South Central Kansas Problem Gambling Task Forces are comprised of diverse community advocates who implement community prevention programs, disseminate information, offer education programs and promote problem gambling treatment services in their areas.

Task force volunteers represent multiple sectors of their communities, including behavioral health prevention and treatment professionals, educators, public safety officials, representatives of the gaming industry, civic and youth organizations, business, government and faith-based organizations. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), which administers the Kansas Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund, invites members of the communities to get involved with these regional prevention efforts to continue strengthening their capabilities and resources.

KDADS is sponsoring a comprehensive statewide media campaign to bring awareness of problem gambling to Kansas residents. The campaign theme, “Know Your Limits,” heads an approach using broadcast and print media, billboards, online advertising and various other forms of public outreach and social media.

Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting thousands of Kansans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds and can have a significant societal and economic cost for individuals, families, businesses and communities. Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing this harm to both individuals and society as a whole.

If any Kansan is concerned that gambling is causing a problem in their lives, they are encouraged to call 800-522-4700. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors ready to offer help. They can also go to www.ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. Treatment for problem gamblers and concerned others is paid using casino revenues with no out-of-pocket cost.

For more information, contact:

Angela de Rocha
Director of Communications
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
785-806-7482