New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a Proclamation declaring March 2022 Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey.
“We are pleased to support this initiative and to continue to work with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) to convey the message of responsible play to the gaming public,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey. “This year the Lottery and the Council are working together to promote “Be Informed – Be Empowered.”
“Promoting responsible play is a part of our everyday practice at the Lottery,” Carey continued. “The messages ‘Must be 18 or older to buy a lottery ticket. Please play responsibly’ and ‘If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER®,’ are printed on the back of every Lottery ticket. These same messages are included on the Lottery’s website and in all of our advertising and social media postings and on retailer terminal screens throughout the state.”
It is important for members of the community to recognize the warning signs indicating that gambling might be developing into a problem and to learn more about where to go for help if they think they or someone close begins to exhibit any of those warning signs.
As part of their efforts, the Lottery and the CCGNJ have developed a video to raise awareness about Problem Gambling Awareness Month and to provide information about the help available both locally and nationally for anyone who may experience a gambling problem. The video is available for viewing on the “Responsible Play” page of the Lottery’s website.
“We are pleased to be partnering with the Lottery to promote the importance of responsible gaming,” said CCGNJ Executive Director Felicia Grondin. “Unlike drugs and alcohol addiction, a gambling addiction is not always easily recognizable. Like other addictions, it, too, can be successfully treated. The Council continually works to address the unique challenges facing those with gambling problems. Gambling disorders, like any addictive behavior, affects the lives of individuals and those close to them. It is never too early – or too late – to get advice and assistance when gambling of any kind might be getting out of control.”
Observation of this month 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. We offer support, treatment, and hope.”