TRENTON, N.J. (March 2, 2018) – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued a Proclamation declaring March 2018 Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey. Throughout the month, the New Jersey Lottery (NJL) will be working with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) in an effort to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and to raise awareness of the help that is available both locally and nationally. “Have the Conversation” is the theme for the 2018 Problem Gambling Awareness Month Campaign.

Today, John M. White, NJL’s Acting Executive Director, held a joint press conference with Neva Pryor, CCGNJ’s Executive Director, to discuss efforts to promote public awareness about the dangers of problem gambling.

“The Lottery joins with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey today because we recognize that it’s important to ‘Have the Conversation’ about responsible play and how to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling,” said White.

Since June 1999, the Lottery has participated on the CCGNJ’s Board of Directors. The Council’s 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number is printed on every Lottery ticket, and on all brochures and signage, and it also appears as a tag line on all of the Lottery’s radio and television advertisements. The Lottery’s website directs visitors to the Council’s site, where members of the public can get free information and help.

“The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ offers a broad array of educational, outreach, and support services for those people affected by disordered and problem gambling and also for the broader community,” said Pryor. “We encourage the community to be open to discussing gambling problems and to learn about resources to get help. March is a great time to start the conversation. We’re very pleased to be partnering with the Lottery to get the message out that discussing the "invisible addiction" can lead to hope, help and change."

The CCGNJ operates a 24-hour confidential helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, that takes over 15,000 calls a year. Any individual with a gambling problem or a family member needing assistance can call for help and referral. Information on Problem Gambling Awareness Month activities in New Jersey and additional resources can be accessed through the CCGNJ website: http://www.800gambler.org

The National Problem Gambling Awareness Month website also lists resources and helpful tools on its website: http://www.npgam.org

ABOUT THE LOTTERY

The mission of the New Jersey Lottery is to raise revenue for maximum contribution to education and institutions benefiting the citizens of New Jersey through the responsible sale of Lottery products. The Lottery has the distinct designation of being awarded a Level 4 Certification by the World Lottery Association, one of the world’s most respected industry authorities on responsible gaming practices. This award recognizes the Lottery’s planning, development and implementation of responsible gambling programs and initiatives.

ABOUT THE COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING OF NJ, INC. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that provides information, education and referral services for people affected by gambling disorders. The Council’s mission is to educate the public to the fact that problem and disordered gambling is a treatable illness. The Council’s 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline and website www.800gambler.org have been resources for thousands of people who are compulsive gamblers and recovering from problem and disordered gambling, as well as their friends and families. For further information, contact: The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ, Inc. at:

609-588-5515, Neva Pryor, Executive Director at ext. 17 or neva@800gambler.org

ABOUT THE WORLD LOTTERY ASSOCIATION The World Lottery Association is an international trade organization that serves to integrate Responsible Gaming Principles into the day-to-day operation of its member lotteries. Membership in this association is exclusive and requires adherence to a responsible gaming code of conduct.

Event Video: https://vimeo.com/258292813/bd3c46482b

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