By National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG Urges Lotteries and Consumers to “Have the Conversation” About Responsible Gaming
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Contact: Keith Whyte, 202.547.9204 x 23 or keithw@ncpgambling.org
Washington, DC With today’s Powerball jackpot approaching record levels the National Council on Problem Gambling urges consumers to protect themselves and their children from excessive gambling and for lotteries to promote responsible gaming.
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 gaming messages designed to help gamblers make informed decisions about their play.” The massive interest in large lottery jackpots provides a great opportunity to discuss responsible gaming. Here are four simple responsible gaming tips to know and share:
- Minors are prohibited from most forms of gambling.
- 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.
Whyte notes “Lotteries have an important role to play in reminding retailers and players about the minimum age to play and in educating their players about simple steps to promote responsible gaming.” The National Problem Gambling Helpline (800.522.4700) is the national toll free and confidential single point of access for problem gambling help. State lotteries and broadcast media are asked to incorporate responsible gaming messages and the Helpline into their coverage of today’s Powerball drawing.
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 gaming.