Madison, Wis. - This March, the Wisconsin Lottery is joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (WCPG), and lotteries across the United States to raise awareness about problem gambling and encourage responsible play as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

Now in its 21st year, PGAM is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March, to increase public awareness of problem gambling and to help organizations work collaboratively with local and national agencies to inform people that prevention, treatment, and recovery services are available.

This year's PGAM theme "Every Story Matters," serves as an important reminder that every narrative, battle, and triumph related to problem gambling is significant.

"We are proud to be a part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month," said Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin. "We want all of our players to be responsible, keep it fun, and know their limit. Our relationship with NCPG and WCPG continues to be an important part of our current and future responsible gaming initiatives."

"Every March, communities across the nation work to raise awareness around problem gambling," said Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Rose Blozinski. "Through our continued partnership with the Wisconsin Lottery, we can reach people statewide to let them know that help is available via phone, online chat, or text messaging."

Working with more than 3,700 Wisconsin Lottery retailers across the state, the Wisconsin Lottery's participation in Problem Gambling Awareness Month will include a multi-media problem campaign including:

• Lottoview (digital display) video messaging and poster placement at retailer locations
• Radio spots throughout the state and on the Wisconsin Lottery's YouTube channel
• Print ads in community publications
• Social media and Players Club newsletter content

Each layer of Wisconsin's strategy observes Problem Gambling Awareness Month and informs the public about the problem gambling helplines, text numbers, and the WCPG website. Help is available at 800-GAMBLE-5. Online chatting and texting (850-888-HOPE) are also available. Calling, online chatting, and texting is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition, the Wisconsin Lottery will fund four yearly scholarships for the WCPG's Annual Statewide Conference. These scholarships provide conference registrations for people who might otherwise not be able to attend. This year’s conference is on March 13-15, 2024, at the Milwaukee Marriot West.

According to the NCPG, problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Approximately two million U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit
wi-problemgamblers.org.