OLYMPIA -- A broad cross-section of gambling industry representatives, therapists, and state prevention program staff are joining hands during Problem Gambling Awareness Week (March 5 to 11) to raise awareness of gambling addictions and what can be done about them.

Activities across the state this week will underscore the prevention and treatment opportunities for problem gamblers and family members.

Virtually all of this activity can be traced to legislation that passed in 2005. The new law levied a tax on all gambling establishments licensed by the Gambling Commission, Washington's Lottery, and Washington Horse Racing Commission, and it directed that the money fund a statewide Problem Gambling Program.

Since then, some tribal casino operations have also voluntarily contributed to the Problem Gambling Fund, registering their awareness of problem gambling and their commitment to assist in prevention and treatment efforts.

One of the significant activities supported by the tax is the state's Gambling Helpline. In the last half of 2006, more than 1,000 people called the toll-free number to ask for help with their addiction. Trained Helpline staff listen to anyone who calls and provide crisis stabilization and referral services, including referrals to treatment as well as passing along the times and places where Gambler's Anonymous chapters meet.

The state's program currently is funding problem gambling treatment at a total of 32 sites. Among the providers are agencies that are equipped to treat underage gamblers, an agency that specializes in treatment of Asian/Pacific Islanders in their native languages, and two agencies have the capability to treat Spanish-speaking clients.

Since September, nearly 300 individuals have been linked to problem gambling treatment opportunities. Twenty of the gamblers also acknowledged chemical dependency issues with their gambling problems, and both issues were addressed during their stay in treatment.

Women made up almost three of five admissions during the period. Approximately 75% of people in treatment for problem gambling were in the Puget Sound area, with the others concentrated in the Vancouver, Yakima, and the Spokane areas.

The Washington State Problem Gambling Program is working closely with the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling and the University of Washington on a conference focusing on Youth Gambling Awareness that will be held at the University of Washington on April 5-6, 2007.

Workshops will be offered in several tracks, including Education, (Gambling) Industry, Research, Clinical, and Youth/Family. More information about this conference can be found at http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dasa/services/OPPLR/ProblemGamblingPrgm.shtml.

Problem Gambling Awareness Week 2007

• The state is launching a media campaign targeting mothers, warning them that adolescent gambling is a risky activity. www.NotAGame.org
• State employees will get an e-reminder on electronic paychecks or a brochure in their pay envelope about getting help for a gambling problem.
• Treatment providers will do free assessments for gambling problems at 31 sites around the state.
• Billboards around Puget Sound will carry the Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-547-6133.
• 3,500  Washington Lottery ticket machines will display a problem gambling message and Helpline number.
• Problem gambling awareness posters will be prominently displayed in card rooms and tribal casinos around the state.
• Newspaper guest opinions from legislators will be published this week.
• Horse Racing Commission will display posters in Spanish at tracks around the state.

HOW TO GET HELP: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call the Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-547-6133.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND:

Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604