An estimated 80,000 to 160,000 Washingtonians, or 2 to 4 percent of adults and 8 to 9 percent of adolescents and young adults, struggle with problem gambling
Olympia, WA (March 3, 2025) – Washington’s Lottery is a proud champion of responsible gambling year-round. As Problem Gambling Awareness Month marks its 23rd year this March, the Lottery remains an active participant and strong advocate, dedicated to raising awareness of prevention, treatment, and recovery resources available for those affected by problem gambling.
As part of these efforts, Washington’s Lottery contributes a percentage of its net revenue each year to the state's problem gambling account. In Fiscal Year 2024, the Lottery strengthened these efforts by doubling its contributions to further support prevention and education initiatives. Additionally, the Lottery introduced the Voluntary Self-Exclusion program in 2022, giving players the option to exclude themselves from lottery activities for a pre-determined period. Participants in this program are ineligible to claim cash or promotional prizes over $600 or any second-chance prizes within the state of Washington. More information can be found at walottery.com/responsibility/SelfExclusion.aspx.
This ongoing commitment to player protection and awareness was further reinforced in 2024, when Washington’s Lottery achieved the nation’s highest level of responsible gambling certification. Recognized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), this certification is awarded only to lotteries that meet rigorous standards in key areas such as employee and retailer training, public education, product oversight, and advertising practices. Washington’s Lottery is one of only three state lotteries to achieve this milestone, demonstrating its dedication to integrating responsible gambling practices into all aspects of its operations.
“Washington’s Lottery is committed to promoting responsible gambling throughout the year, and Problem Gambling Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to further highlight the importance of education and support,” said Joshua Johnston, Director of Washington’s Lottery. “Achieving the highest level of responsible gambling certification in the nation reinforces our dedication to ensuring players have the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions. Through our continued partnership with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, we remain focused on promoting safe play and increasing awareness of available support services.”
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 or are at risk for problem gambling. For every person impacted by a gambling disorder, it is estimated that 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 is a crucial opportunity to shed light on this often-overlooked public health issue,” said Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling. “Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to seeking help, and it’s important that we continue fostering conversations that normalize prevention, treatment, and recovery – not just in March, but every day of the year.”
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.
Who Benefits
Since 1982, Washington’s Lottery has generated more than $5.3 billion to support several important state programs. The Lottery’s primary beneficiary is the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account (WOPA), which provides much-needed funding for programs including early childhood education, the Washington College Grant and College Bound program, Washington Award for Vocational Excellence, GET Ready for Math and Science scholarships, and more. These programs help provide critical services and support to thousands of Washington residents each year and help improve their lives.
Washington’s Lottery Beneficiary Fact
Washington’s Lottery is proud to be a financial supporter of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), 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 Lottery also proudly supports the state’s Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP), a state-funded pre-K program that helps children become kindergarten-ready by building early skills in reading, math and science. The program works closely with parents to support their children’s health and education.
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.
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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