Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (WCPG), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). The 2022 campaign theme is “Awareness + Action”. Groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor trainings, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and engage in other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
“Across Wisconsin this March during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling is committing to making sure the public understand what the signs of problem gambling are, and most importantly, the resources that are available to get help,” said Rose Blozinski, WCPG’s Executive Director. The WCPG has received a Proclamation for Problem Gambling Awareness Month from Governor Evers.
The hashtag for the campaign this year is #PGAM2022, which participants are encouraged to use on the various social media platforms. PGAMis designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. This grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators. They work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-426-2535, Text at 1-850-888-4673 or Live Chat through the WCPG website at www.wi-problemgamblers.org.
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The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling is funded by a public awareness grant from the State of Wisconsin and additional funding from donors, including Wisconsin Native American Tribes. The Council operates a 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-426-2535, 1-850-888-4673 Textline, and Chat available on www.wi-problemgamblers.org, distributes informational brochures, organizes an annual statewide conference, makes presentations on problem gambling and conducts training sessions for treatment providers interested in the special requirements for working with compulsive gamblers and their families.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling website, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WisconsinCouncilonProblemGambling or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/wcpgambling