Lottery Partners with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey to Raise Awareness and Help People Talk About Problem Gambling

Introduction to Having a Crucial Conversation | Preparing to Have a Crucial Conversation

TRENTON, N.J. (March 4, 2024) – Governor Phil Murphy has issued a Proclamation declaring March 2024 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Lottery (NJL) and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) are working together to support efforts to increase awareness of problem gambling throughout the month. This campaign promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. This year's theme is "Betting on Change: Confronting the Surge in Problem Gambling." Problem gambling is behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career.

"We are proud to be partners with the CCGNJ in spreading the Responsible Play message and in supporting the Governor's initiative," said NJL Executive Director James A. Carey. "The Lottery takes responsible gaming seriously and is always looking for new ways to share information and guide people to resources. This year, with the help of the CCGNJ, we will move from broad awareness to more targeted guidance by providing assistance on how to have a conversation with someone who may be experiencing a problem with gambling."

"We are pleased to be partnering with the Lottery to promote the importance of conversations about problem gambling," said CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin. "We want the community to understand the broad array of educational and support services available for those affected by disordered and problem gambling and also for the broader community. We encourage individuals and communities to be open to discussing gambling problems and to learn about available resources to get help. The CCGNJ operates a free 24-hour confidential helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, that can be called before a person starts a conversation with a loved one. For those not ready to speak to anyone, additional resources can be accessed through the CCGNJ website, 800Gambler.org."

The Lottery and the Council have developed a series of four videos, which can help a person prepare for a conversation on problem gambling and then provide guidance on how the conversation could be handled based on the relationship. Each conversation is different and the series illuminates the vital assistance available from the CCGNJ. New videos will be available each Monday in March for viewing on the Lottery's website, NJLottery.com, and YouTube Channel youtube.com/NewJerseyLottery, as well as on the Council's website, 800gambler.org.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month observation is part of a national effort to spread the word that there is help for those with gambling problems, as well as for their families. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. They offer support, treatment, and hope.

About the New Jersey Lottery
The New Jersey Lottery (NJL) has been certified by the industry-recognized World Lottery Association (WLA) as a leader in Responsible Gaming best practices since 2012. In 2016, NJL received and continues to maintain the highest level of recognition awarded by the WLA – Level 4 Responsible Gaming Framework Certificate of Accreditation – a distinction certifying that it applies responsible gaming principles in day-to-day operations with an emphasis on continuous improvement.

About the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc.
Since 1983, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. has helped problem gamblers and their loved ones. The Council's mission is to provide prevention, education and referral services to anyone affected by this illness. It operates the widely recognized gambling helpline number 1-800-GAMBLER®, offering 24-hour confidential assistance to anyone affected by a gambling disorder.