Celebrity PSA's Help Build Awareness in Missouri

"I sing a song called Rock Bottom.  Don't hit it," says country-singing great Wynonna Judd in a new public service announcement (PSA) supporting the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling.  The radio PSA featuring Judd ends with her saying, "Make the call: 1-888-BETSOFF," before her song, "Rock Bottom," fades into the line, "You've got nothing to lose."

Judd's PSA is one in a series the alliance has planned to continue to building public awareness of problem gambling.  All the PSAs will feature celebrities providing information about the disorder and where to find help. 

In addition to Judd, the alliance was able to garner the support of country music legend Crystal Gayle for a television PSA.  "We're honored that both of these stars agreed to help us build awareness of the help line," said alliance spokesperson Gary Gonder.  "We had a strong PSA before, but it was five years old.  We felt it was time for a change."

While the new PSAs still will emphasize the alliance's help line, they also will serve to educate Missourians on risk factors related to problem gambling.  Gayle's PSA, for instance, alerts viewers to warning signs, including the use of gambling as an escape, loss of control, and problems at the workplace.

The alliance tapped the resources of its members to produce the PSAs.  "Many of our casinos have celebrity entertainment, so they can draw from that talent," said Mike Ryan, alliance chairman and executive director of the Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association. 

"They all believe in the PSA program and are helping to find celebrities willing to participate."  Both celebrities provided their time free of charge, and the announcements were produced in-house by the Missouri Lottery.

"Problem gambing can impact all different age groups from all social and economic backgrounds, so our goal is to produce multiple PSAs that speak to different audiences," said Gonder.  "We're hoping this celebrity PSA program will be ongoing."