Illinois Lottery shows support for Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Posted on March 5, 2024
A full campaign complete with radio spots, billboard messaging, and social media, Illinois Lottery wants gamers to have fun with recreational gambling while recognizing symptoms of problematic gambling. (Photo Courtesy of Pixabay)

By WMBD-TV

CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery is partnering with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) again as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

An Illinois Lottery news release confirms that they, alongside ICPG, will bring public attention to problem gambling prevention, and treatment, and different recovery options across the state.

“We are proud to join ICPG and our more than 7,000 retail partners across the state to raise awareness about what problem gambling is and the resources available to get help,” said Harold Mays, Director of the Illinois Lottery.

He continued, “We want to remind our players that Illinois Lottery games are intended to be a fun form of entertainment with the purpose of supporting public education and other special causes in Illinois, and should always be played responsibly.” 

A full campaign complete with radio spots, billboard messaging, and social media, Illinois Lottery wants gamers to have fun with recreational gambling while recognizing symptoms of problematic gambling.

Anyone who is struggling with a gambling problem is encouraged to call 1-800-GAMBLER, a 24-hour service that connects callers to counseling, information, and other support.

In addition, helpline staff are available via live chat at AreYouReallyWinning.org or texting “GAMB” to 833234.

Illinois Lottery one of the few U.S. lotteries certified at Level 4 by the World Lottery Association, highest level of responsible gaming certification recognized internationally. 

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…