CT Lottery supporting problem gambling awareness month

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Consistent with its long-standing commitment to responsible gambling, the CT Lottery is proudly supporting Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March. Partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, and in collaboration with other industry stakeholders, the CT Lottery is undertaking initiatives designed to raise awareness of problem gambling and help foster discussions about prevention, identification, treatment and recovery.

This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

To bring the message home, the CT Lottery will roll out a robust campaign throughout March, featuring a variety of public service announcements across multiple platforms. From in-store displays to billboards, social media, and the CT Lottery website, the public will have access to vital resources on problem gambling prevention and assistance. The campaign will also feature responsible gambling messages on television, radio, retail terminals, and physical displays throughout Connecticut.

“Responsible Gambling is at the core of everything we do at the CT Lottery,” said Frank Suarez, President and CEO of the CT Lottery. “We’re here to remind people to make healthy choices when it comes to gambling and to provide accessible resources for those in need. It’s not enough to just have these resources available, we need people to use them. Don’t wait, don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed.”

For anyone who feels they or someone they know may be struggling with gambling, the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-888-789-7777 or ccpg.org) offers free, confidential support around the clock, 24/7/365. The Helpline connects individuals with resources, treatment options, and self-help groups for themselves as well as others impacted or concerned with another person’s gambling behavior.

In fiscal year 2024, the CT Lottery contributed $3.3 million to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (DMHAS) Chronic Gamblers Treatment and Rehabilitation Fund, which supports prevention and treatment programs across the state. The CT Lottery is also a proud partner in Responsible Play the CT Way, a coalition consisting of the CT Lottery, CCPG, the DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, and gaming industry representatives.