Council Column
RGQ will provide regular updates on activities by The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and its 33 state affiliates. The NCPG is a nonprofit organization founded in 1972 to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education. In support of that mission, the state councils work together with local community and business resources to develop, promote and implement effective programs to address the issue of problem gambling in their state. The NCPG maintains a neutral stance, neither for nor against gambling.
Some of the recent accomplishments by the NCPG and state councils include the following:
- At the 15th National Conference on Problem Gambling held June 2001 in Seattle, the National Council on Problem Gambling formed a Working Group on Self Exclusion, comprised of representatives from industry, counseling, research, government and the recovering community. The group is meeting to develop a set of principles to guide self-exclusion policies, which are being adopted in many jurisdictions. Preliminary results of the group's work are expected in June 2002 at the 16th National Conference in Dallas.
- The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling hosted a special Judges Luncheon in September to bring problem gambling information to the attention of District Court judges in southern Nevada, as well as clerks and other legal professionals. With the support of local treatment providers, the Nevada Council has developed a standardized referral system that can be utilized by the court for clinical assessments and awareness classes for clients in cases where gambling may be an issue. The referral system also may be used by the Office of Parole & Probation in pre-sentence investigations and recommendations.
- The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Bureau of Substance Abuse Services and advertising agency Causemedia, launched a highly visible, multi-faceted media campaign this past spring to help raise awareness about problem gambling. The campaign, which included radio ads, rapid transit posters, billboards, and taxicab toppers, generated a more than 50 percent increase in calls to the council's help line. The Massachusetts Council plans to focus its next media campaign on seniors and problem gambling.
The National Council on Problem Gambling and its 33 state affiliates offer a variety of services for problem gamblers and their loved ones. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gamblers Help Lineat 1-800-522-4700 for 24-hour, confidential assistance.
