The National Council on Problem Gambling
- 216 G Street NE, Suite 200
- Washington, D.C. 20002
- 1-202-547-9204 - Fax 1-202-547-9206
The National Council on Problem Gambling is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. The mission of the NCPG is to increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education.
Major National Council programs include:
- Operate the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network. A nationwide, 24/7 link to local resources.
- Administer the National Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC) credential. A credential for treatment providers who have met the requirements of the National Gambling Counselor Certification Board.
- Hold Conferences. The world’s oldest and largest problem gambling-specific conference.
- Distribute literature. On problem gambling treatment, research, recovery.
- Organize National Problem Gambling Awareness Week.
- Provide education on problem gambling issues to Federal, state, tribal and international governments and agencies.
Publications
- Ten Rules of Responsible Gambling
- Older Adults and Gambling
- Signs of a Possible Gambling Problem in Youth
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week is March 5 - 11, 2007. More information is available at their web site, www.npgaw.org
Hotline
The hotline is 1-800-522-4700.
Kickoff Event for National Problem Gambling Awareness Week 2007
The event held on March 5th, 2007 at the Mental Health Association, was the only National Problem Gambling Awareness Week Kickoff Event held in the state of Pennsylvania.
The Kickoff Event had three primary goals:
- First, to acknowledge the fact that problem gamblers exist and there are professionals willing to help.
- The second goal was to announce the creation of the nonprofit, American Advocates for Responsible Gambling (AARG).
- The last goal was to introduce the participants to the county’s plans related to Problem Gambling awareness, prevention and treatment.
"Gambling is for entertainment; it can be addictive; and there is help" was the main message for the kickoff event. Introductions were made, proclamations from various levels of government were given and remarks were shared by department heads. One participant shared a jingle that was written for the occasion. Educational fact sheets, games and light refreshments were part of the event.
The Mental Health Association is pleased to be able to help support this effort and it is in keeping with the MHA mission to assist people in recovery from issues that interfere with their lives. We are eager to support self help programs related to gambling problems.