In Oregon and across the nation, the month of March is observed as Problem Gambling Awareness Month to raise awareness of problem gambling issues. And in Oregon, the Oregon Lottery partners with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling to raise awareness of the availability Oregon’s free and confidential treatment for those in need and get the word out about the resources that are available to the public. “For many years, the Oregon Lottery has been recognized as a national leader in providing treatment funding and educating players about problem and responsible gambling,” said Oregon Lottery Director Jack Roberts. “Nowhere is that more evident than during Problem Gambling Awareness Month as the Lottery increases its responsible and problem gambling awareness efforts.” During March, the Lottery is running problem and responsible gambling television, radio and digital campaigns statewide. “The Lottery has also created a package of materials that includes posters and business card-sized brochures with problem gambling resources people can contact and other useful information,” said Lottery Corporate Communications Manager Joanie Steven-Schwenger. “All of those materials have been distributed to our retailers and have been made available to local problem gambling treatment providers.” To ensure that people can find the help they need, the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource website has information on a variety of treatment and support resources for gamblers and their loved ones. This website is a collaboration of the Oregon Health Authority, advocacy groups, and the Lottery. “Because people like to access support in a variety of ways, we make sure to provide not only the helpline number, but to also offer links to anonymous online communities like GamTalk and to support groups like Gamblers Anonymous” said the Lottery’s Responsible Gambling Consultant Stacy Shaw. “We also recognize the need to communicate to a diverse population and develop messages, materials and campaigns to multi-cultural audiences.” Oregon Lottery proceeds have provided funding for free, confidential and effective problem gambling treatment programs statewide. Since the statute dedicating those funds was enacted in 1992, over $81 million in Lottery funds has been directed to fund problem gambling treatment. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org
