SACRAMENTO – The California State Lottery today launched a statewide campaign to promote “National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.” In honor of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week the Lottery is renewing its efforts to raise awareness about this important issue and ensure that those affected know that there are resources available for individuals and families impacted by problem gambling.
“The California Lottery is proud to be a part of this nationwide effort to increase awareness of problem gambling,” said Joan Borucki, California Lottery Director. “It is important that the public be informed about the dangers of problem gambling and understand that there are resources available for those in need.”
The public awareness effort is sponsored in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the State of California’s Office of Problem Gambling and the California Council on Problem Gambling. The Lottery’s statewide efforts include a problem gambling public service announcement that will air on television throughout the month of March and on the California State Lottery’s website, www.calottery.com. Brochures containing information regarding problem gambling are available in multiple languages and distributed to Lottery retailers across the State.
Featured in the “Play Responsibly” section of the Lottery’s website is information on how to identify the warnings signs associated with problem gambling and information and links to a variety of problem gambling resources including the National Council on Problem Gambling, California Council on Problem Gambling, and the State of California’s Office of Problem Gambling. The Lottery also funds a toll free problem gambling helpline (1-888-277-3115) to assist those who need information or access to treatment.