Great Lakes Wire

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Michigan Lottery has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to enhance public awareness of problem gambling. This collaboration also aims to highlight prevention, treatment, and recovery services available in Michigan.

"March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Lottery is proud to join the National Council on Problem Gambling to help raise awareness about problem gambling and the resources available to help Michiganders," stated Suzanna Shkreli from the Michigan Lottery. She emphasized that "The National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide confidential support and resources to those who may need assistance."

During this month, the Lottery reminds players that free, one-on-one support is accessible through the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline. Assistance is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-GAMBLER. Additional chat and text options are detailed at www.michiganlottery.com.

In fiscal year 2024, $1 million was allocated by the Lottery to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for statewide education and treatment programs targeting problem gambling. The Lottery's online services have been enhanced with responsible gaming resources such as self-exclusion periods, deposit limits, loss limits, cool-off periods, age verification at registration, and play history monitoring.

Since its founding in 1972, the Lottery has been dedicated to promoting responsible gaming. In 2015, it became the first U.S. lottery to receive Internet Compliance Assessment Program (iCAP) certification from NCPG for its commitment to responsible online gaming. Additionally, it has earned Responsible Gaming Verification certification from both the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries and NCPG.

More information on problem gaming warning signs can be found at https://news.michiganlottery.com/RG.