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AUSTIN – For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun experience, but there are risks involved. With an established year-round commitment to promoting responsible gambling and positive play, the Texas Lottery participates in Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Annually held in March, PGAM brings together a wide range of stakeholders – including public health organizations, advocacy groups, and gambling operators – to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and recovery services that are available to those facing gambling issues.
“For over three decades, responsible gambling has been a top priority for the Texas Lottery,” said Ryan Mindell, deputy executive director. “Through aligning with NCPG and our extensive network of retail partners during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, we can notify our player base of the resources and services available to those seeking help. It’s important to remember that we design Texas Lottery® games as a source of entertainment to generate important revenue for public education and veterans services in Texas. We encourage all of our players to keep their lottery experiences positive, which involves understanding their time and money limits.”
The NCPG defines problem gambling as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. While most adults who choose to gamble can do so responsibly, approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1 percent) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, and another 4-6 million (2-3 percent) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.
Certified for its Responsible Gambling program by NCPG, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, and the World Lottery Association, the Texas Lottery emphasizes responsible gambling in its marketing efforts and promotional materials throughout the year, all of which encourage responsible play and remind consumers that you must be 18 or older to purchase a lottery ticket. We train more than 20,000 state lottery retailers to refrain from selling or redeeming lottery tickets by anyone under 18. Training videos and tips for positive play are available on the Texas Lottery’s dedicated Responsible Gambling page on its website. You can find resources for help on Texas Lottery tickets, in-store brochures, and social media. In addition, the PLAY RESPONSIBLY message is included on all tickets and in advertisements across various digital platforms. We feature the 2024 PGAM messages in weekly employee and retailer communications and on the Texas Lottery’s social media accounts, website, and in-store electronic messaging throughout March. This year’s hashtag for the campaign is #PGAM2024, which participants are encouraged to use on various social media platforms.
For information or assistance with a gambling problem for you or someone you know, individuals can call or text the NCPG Helpline at 800-522-4700. The toll-free helpline, available 24/7 with translation services, ensures confidential support. You can find additional details about problem gambling at www.ncpgambling.org/pgam or www.texaslottery.com/playresponsibly.
About the Texas Lottery
Beginning with the first ticket sold in 1992, the Texas Lottery has generated more than $38 billion in revenue for the state and distributed more than $85 billion in prizes to lottery players. Since 1997, the Texas Lottery has contributed $32.5 billion to the Foundation School Fund, which supports public education in Texas. As authorized by the Texas Legislature, certain Texas Lottery revenues benefit state programs, including the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. Since we launched the first veterans’ themed scratch ticket game in 2009, the Texas Lottery has contributed more than $231 million to programs supporting Texas veterans.
The Texas Lottery provides several entertaining games for lottery players, including Powerball®, Mega Millions®, Lotto Texas®, All or Nothing™, Texas Two Step®, Pick 3™, Daily 4™, Cash Five®, and scratch ticket games. For more information, visit us on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or texaslottery.com. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.