March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Since 1982, the Colorado Lottery has given back more than $4 BILLION to our state’s greatest asset - the great outdoors. We take our mission to serve the people of Colorado seriously, and we know that without healthy Lottery play, this immense service to our great state would not be possible. 

Operating responsibly is a critical annual goal for the Colorado Lottery. Responsibility is one of the Lottery’s three equal pillars of operation, along with Revenue and Conservation.

We work hard to ensure we’re part of the solution, not the problem.
The Colorado Lottery works year-round to honor our commitment to responsible gaming, but during Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) every March, we work overtime. This year, we've expanded our level of involvement, activities, and engagement to better support this important month and generate awareness about problem gambling in Colorado.

• Colorado is the first state of only two total to have underage verification on every Lottery kiosk in the state.

• We conduct underage compliance checks across the state to ensure Lottery tickets are not being sold to minors.

• Problem gambling messages can be found on every kiosk, at every retailer, and on every game ticket all year long.

• We are one of few lotteries across the nation to have a full-time dedicated player safety staff member.

• Colorado is among just 10 lotteries in the country that have reached the highest level, Level 4, certification for Responsible Gaming from the World Lottery Association (WLA).

• The Lottery has increased our financial commitment five times over in the last five years and has increased annual training for employees, retailers and Commissioners. 

• National Gambling Disorder Screening Day is March 12. This is an opportunity for Coloradans to participate in a self-screening. 

• On March 27, the Lottery is hosting a special day at the Capitol with other gaming organizations and problem gambling partners in the state to raise awareness about problem gambling and the efforts Colorado is making to keep players safe. 

Player health is public health
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the mild or moderate problem gambling criteria. 

Data shows for every individual impacted by problem gambling, an additional 8-10 people feel those effects. These effects can ripple through a person’s relationships, employment, physical and mental health, result in criminal activity, and more. Problem gambling is often referred to as a hidden addiction because the signs and symptoms are not always visible as with other addictions. Recognizing and participating in PGAM helps to reduce the shame and stigma associated with problem gambling and normalize access to support services when needed. 

Warning signs of problem gambling include experiencing financial strain, lying about gambling activities, or difficulty controlling gambling habits. 

“Problem Gambling Awareness Month promotes essential awareness for individuals affected by problem gambling, as well as their impacted loved ones,” said Amanda Quintana, the Lottery’s new Player Health Program Manager. “The Colorado Lottery stands behind initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. We believe player health is public health. For anyone experiencing problems related to gambling activities, we want to amplify the message that help and hope are available, and recovery is possible. Assistance for problem gambling remains readily available in Colorado, not only during March but throughout the entire year.”

Know Your Limits
Here are some helpful responsible gambling tips:

• Think of gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.

• Set a gambling budget and stick to it.

• Take a break every now and then.

• Avoid gambling when you’re feeling lonely, angry, depressed, or stressed.

• Set a spending and time limit in advance.

• Balance gambling with other activities.

Get help 24/7/365 - If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text  1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. It’s completely free and confidential. 

Explore Player Health Tools & Resources:

• Take the Gambling Myths Quiz - Test your knowledge of some common misconceptions about gambling.

• Find Your Limits Tool - Follow the "Know Your Limits" decision tree to find out if you should play the Lottery today.

• Know when there’s a problem - Be aware of warning signs that gambling is no longer just for fun.

• Gamesense - Find information on how the games work, gambling myths, and get tips on how to keep the game fun.

• Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado - For more information and how to increase awareness and action around problem gambling.

• Get help 24/7/365 - If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text  1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. It’s completely free and confidential.