Constitution State News

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CT Lottery) is participating in Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) this March, continuing its commitment to responsible gambling. In collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), as well as other industry stakeholders, the CT Lottery aims to raise awareness about problem gambling and promote discussions around prevention, identification, treatment, and recovery.

This year's campaign theme, "Seeking Understanding," emphasizes increasing awareness of problem gambling as a significant yet often misunderstood mental health issue. The initiative seeks to foster empathy, dismantle barriers to treatment, and support individuals and families affected by gambling-related harm.

Throughout March, the CT Lottery will launch a comprehensive campaign featuring public service announcements across various platforms. These include in-store displays, billboards, social media channels, and the CT Lottery website. The campaign will also feature responsible gambling messages broadcasted via television, radio, retail terminals, and physical displays throughout Connecticut.

Frank Suarez, President and CEO of the CT Lottery stated: “Responsible Gambling is at the core of everything we do at the CT Lottery. We’re here to remind people to make healthy choices when it comes to gambling and to provide accessible resources for those in need. It’s not enough to just have these resources available; we need people to use them. Don’t wait; don’t be afraid to ask for help when it’s needed.”

For those who feel they or someone they know may be struggling with gambling issues, free confidential support is available through the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or ccpg.org. This helpline offers round-the-clock assistance connecting individuals with resources, treatment options, and self-help groups.

In fiscal year 2024 alone, the CT Lottery contributed $3.3 million to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ Chronic Gamblers Treatment and Rehabilitation Fund supporting statewide prevention and treatment programs. Additionally, the CT Lottery is part of Responsible Play the CT Way—a coalition including CCPG and DMHAS Problem Gambling Services along with gaming industry representatives.

More information can be found at CTLOTTERY.ORG/ResponsibleGambling.

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation operates as a quasi-public state agency dedicated to generating revenue for Connecticut while adhering to high standards of public policy and social responsibility. In fiscal year 2024 alone players won over $1.1 billion in prizes while retailers earned more than $85 million in commissions—all contributing $387 million towards essential services funded by Connecticut's General Fund such as public health initiatives education libraries among others since its inception back in 1972 where contributions have exceeded $11 billion thus far.

The CLC reminds that lottery purchasers must be 18 or older whereas sports wagers require participants aged 21+. Help remains accessible for problem gamblers via contact number 888-789-7777 or visiting ccpg.org.