News Update from the
Region 5 Gambling Awareness Team
February 2024
Gambling is defined as risking something of value on the outcome of an event when the probability of winning is less than certain.

Problem Gambling or Gambling Disorder is characterized by behavior that leads to adverse consequences for the individual, families,
and society.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)




Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March, that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.



Visit gamblingawarenessCT or CCPG.org to view a calendar of PGAM statewide events
5 Ways You Can Raise Awareness in Your Community during PGAM:

  1. Talk about it with your friends and family
  2. Share this newsletter
  3. Invite the Problem Gambling Awareness Van to your place of business, community center, or library
  4. Visit our website where you will find downloadable fact sheets, brochures and links to webpages on topics like harm reduction, financial literacy, and youth gambling and gaming.  
  5. Join our Gambling Awareness Team!
Region 5 Gambling Awareness Team
March Madness Campaign
We designed this harm reduction campaign in 2022 for those who may participate in bracket pools or wagers during the NCAA tournament.

Working with our partners across the region, we will be hanging these posters in community centers, grocery stores, gyms and college campuses.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@wctcoalition) and share our campaign posts!
Top News
Sports Betting Boom Fuels Concerns over Problem Gambling - 60 Minutes
60 minutes aired this 13 minute segment one week before the Superbowl.
Please watch!
Key takeaways:
  • Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018, 38 states have legalize sports betting and Americans have wagered one quarter trillion dollars.
  • Online sport betting provides "limitless opportunities" for transactions including betting on every play within a game.
  • The Sportsbooks use Artificial Intelligence to tailor offers and push notifications to the user.
  • A group of public interest lawyers have filed a class action lawsuit against DraftKings on behalf of Massachusetts for deceptive advertising.
National Council on Problem Gambling Applauds Blumenthal and Salinas for Introducing Groundbreaking GRIT Act to Address Gambling Addiction

Press Release: January 11, 2024
Washington, DC – Today marks a significant milestone in the fight against gambling addiction, as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon introduced the Gambling addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act. This groundbreaking legislation addresses a critical gap in our nation’s approach to addiction by establishing the first-ever federal funding stream dedicated to preventing, treating, and researching gambling addiction in the United States. Click here to learn more.
2023 Epidemiological Profile of Problem Gambling in Western CT published by WCTC
The 2023 Region 5 Regional Priority Report provides an updated overview and thorough description of substance misuse, problem gambling, mental health, and suicide issues of our region’s diverse population. Published in November, it provides an analysis of areas of concern, emerging issues and trends and persistent challenges.
Within the report are epidemiological profiles on all topics including Problem Gambling. Learn about the prevalence of problem gambling, attitudes and behaviors of youth, risk factors for problem gambling and our local service system strengths.

Read the full regional priority report here.
Help Is Available
  • Calls/Chat are available for FREE, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Call 1-888-789-7777 to be connected to a trained helpline specialist offered by the CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG)

  • CCPG provides support, resources & referrals to treatment and self-help groups for those struggling with gambling related problems and others impacted or concerned with another person’s gambling behavior

  • Chats/Calls are confidential and can be anonymous

  • Calls/Chats link visitors to local treatment providers who specialize in gambling disorder and gambling related issues
MCCA is the Bettor Choice Provider in Region 5 offering outpatient and short-term inpatient treatment to those struggling with gambling and their families.
Outpatient Treatment for Problem Gambling Includes:
  • Individual, group, budget counseling for both gamblers and family members
  • Psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members
  • Couples and family counseling
Visit their webpage here.
Gamblers Anonymous is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to locate a meeting near you.

Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of those with a gambling disorder. 
About Our Team

The Region 5 Problem Gambling Awareness Team consists of community stakeholders working toward raising awareness around disordered gambling and helping connect those in need to treatment.  

Our partners include DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, The CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and treatment providers MCCA, McCall Center for Behavioral Health, and Apex Community Care.

Contact khanley@wctcoalition.org
Please visit the team webpage where you can find out more and download resources to share!

Western CT Coalition is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization servicing the 43 towns of DMHAS Region 5.

Vist our website
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @wctcoalition