US Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins
This year’s theme for Problem Gambling Awareness Month is “Awareness + Action”.
US.- Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins in the US today, with various groups across the country holding conferences, social media campaigns and providing counsellor training programmes
The theme for this year is “Awareness + Action”, and the initiative is using the hashtag #AwarenessPlusAction.
Its goals are to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services. It also aims to encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.
The grassroots campaign depends on the participation of affiliates of the National Council of Problem Gaming (NCPG), including states, organisations and individual members, state health agencies, gambling companies, recovery groups and a wide range of healthcare organisations and providers.
Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG), an NCPG’s state affiliate, is one of the organisations taking part.
Its executive director, Julie Hynes, said: “Problem Gambling Awareness Month is always important to us, as we highlight a ‘hidden’ addiction that millions of Americans face, including one in every 38 Oregon adults.
“Some can be tempted to seek hope through jackpots and escape from everyday problems via other gambling options. More widespread legalized online betting, day trading, and even video gaming apps have caused harm for more people this year.
“We want people to know that they’re not alone, and that there is effective, free and confidential help available for them as well as their loved ones.”
She added that visits to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource website usually increase during March due to the focused marketing and social media outreach efforts made during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
