Lotteries to promote responsible gambling messages

(PRESS RELEASE) -- As the Powerball jackpot has reached record levels, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) urges consumers to protect themselves against excessive gambling and calls upon lotteries and the media to promote responsible gambling messages.

Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG, states, “The media and consumer interest in high lottery jackpots creates an opportunity to provide responsible gambling messages designed to help people who choose to gamble to make informed decisions about their play.” Responsible gambling efforts should be made by lottery operators and players alike.

Here are four simple responsible gambling tips to know and share:

• Set a limit of time and money spent gambling.
• Don’t gamble to escape feelings of anxiety, stress or depression.
• Know where to get help for a gambling problem.
• Minors are prohibited from most forms of gambling.
• Don't gamble with money that is needed to pay bills.

Whyte notes, “Lotteries play an important role in reminding retailers and players about the minimum age to play and in educating their players about simple steps to promote responsible gambling.”