FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2010    
Contacts: Marvin Steinberg, PhD, Executive Director
Mary Drexler, MSW, Assistant Director
 (203) 453-0138.

CELEBRATING THE 8th ANNUAL NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 7-13, 2010

This week is recognized nationwide as Problem Gambling Awareness Week by the National Council on Problem Gambling and its 35 state affiliates. In Connecticut, the goal of the statewide campaign led by the CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) is to increase public and professional awareness of problem gambling issues and the availability of services to assist those affected by the disorder. Problem gambling carries serious negative health consequences that span mental, physical, and spiritual health, not only for problem gamblers, but for their family, friends, co-workers, and employers as well.

The Council will be involved in the following activities in and around the week of March 7th:

• Public service announcements (PSAs) on select radio and television stations in Connecticut
  
  
• Distribution of materials to community service agencies, business organizations, churches, and state organizations serving CT families
  
  
• CCPG's College Mini-Grant to increase awareness and prevention programming at CT colleges/universities, including:
  - Central Connecticut State University
  - Eastern Connecticut State University
  - Gateway Community College
  - Southern Connecticut State University
  
  
• Collaboration with other organizations to address problem, underage and responsible gambling:
  - Problem Gambling Services (Department of Mental Health & Addictions Services)
  - The Connecticut Lottery Corporation
  - Foxwoods Resort Casino
  - Mohegan Sun
  
  
• Ongoing education by the CCPG about the desperate attempt of state officials to meet serious budget deficits by way of expanding gambling through keno. Keno is an electronic form of gambling that has contributed to problem and underage gambling whenever it has been legalized and located in a large number of venues across communities.
      
  Problem Gambling: It's a NO-Win Situation
  There is Hope, There is Help