Between 2- to 4-percent of adults and 8- to 9-percent of adolescents in Washington are currently at risk for gambling problems or Gambling Disorder
Olympia, WA (March 11, 2024) – For Washington’s Lottery, responsible gambling is an important initiative 365 days a year. But it holds extra significance every March during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which has been declared nationwide by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), as well as statewide by Governor Jay Inslee, who has voiced his support of this annual awareness and prevention campaign. As Problem Gambling Awareness Month commemorates its 22nd year, Washington’s Lottery proudly remains an active participant and strong advocate of responsible gambling and is dedicated to raising awareness of the prevention, treatment, and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling.
“Throughout the year, and especially during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Washington’s Lottery is committed to making sure players and the public understand what the signs of problem gambling are and most importantly, the resources that are available to help,” said Joshua Johnston, Director of Washington’s Lottery. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling to provide increased awareness of this type of addiction and valuable resources for those impacted.”
Each year, Washington’s Lottery contributes a percentage of its net revenue to the state's problem gambling account. In 2022, it introduced another in a series of resources for players in the state to help tackle Problem Gambling, the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program. This program allows a player to request to be excluded from lottery activities for a pre-determined period. A person who has voluntarily self-excluded from the Lottery cannot win a cash or promotional prize over $600 or any second chance prize within the state of Washington. More information can be found at walottery.com/responsibility/SelfExclusion.aspx.
According to the NCPG and the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG), in Washington, between 80,000 to 160,000 residents, or 2 to 4 percent of adults and 8 to 9 percent of adolescents and young adults, wrestle with problem gambling. It is estimated that for every person impacted by a gambling disorder, at least 7 to 11 people they are surrounded by also experience financial, relationship, and mental health issues as a result. This means that in Washington, approximately 560,000 to 1.12 million people may be impacted by problem gambling overall.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month plays a key role in spreading awareness about this public health issue, which has been overlooked as a hidden addiction and carries with it stigma that creates a barrier to seeking help for many,” said Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. “Our goal is to keep this important conversation going to help people understand that prevention, treatment, and recovery services are available in Washington, not just during March, but year-round.”
ECPG’s Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline is available to everyone at 1.800.547.6133 for those who are concerned about problem gambling. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and callers will be referred to counseling services available in their area, including low- and no-fee options. Information about problem gambling in Washington, including resources to help those struggling with problem gambling, is available at www.evergreencpg.org. More information can be found on The National Council on Problem Gambling’s website at www.ncpgambling.com.
Making a Difference in Washington State
Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $5.3 billion to support several important state programs, including providing much-needed funds for the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA). In FY23, WOPA received $199.9 million from the Lottery. Of this, $139.1 million helped fund the Washington College Grant, a financial aid program that supported more than 29,000 college students and apprentices across the state last year. Another $2.5 million helped fund the College Bound program to help eligible students attain a college or training degree or credential.
Washington’s Lottery Beneficiary Fact
Washington’s Lottery is proud to be a financial supporter of the Washington Student Achievement Council, which administers state financial aid programs. WSAC leads a variety of initiatives to increase educational opportunities for students, families, and educators across the state, with a particular focus on increasing equity by reaching communities of color and students from low-income families. The $141.6 million investment made in FY23 by the Lottery helps fund the Washington College Grant and College Bound programs, in order to improve access to postsecondary attainment for students across Washington.
About Washington’s Lottery: The state’s Lottery offers consumers several types of games, including Mega Millions, Powerball, Lotto, Hit 5, Match 4, Pick 3, Cash POP, Daily Keno and Scratch. For more information, visit www.walottery.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @walottery.
Keep it fun. Know your limit. Washington’s Lottery is an advocate for responsible gaming and collaborates with the Evergreen Council for Problem Gambling to provide resources for those in need. More information is available at www.walottery.com/Responsibility.
###
Press Contacts
Dan Miller (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: dan.miller@curatorpr.com
Xiamara Garza (Curator on behalf of Washington’s Lottery)
E-mail: xiamara.garza@curatorpr.com