The Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, is dedicating the month of March to helping people who struggle with a gambling problem. The 2022 campaign theme is “Awareness + Action”. Groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor trainings, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and engage in other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.
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 criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4–6 million (2–3%) are considered to meet criteria for problem gambling. And yet for many residents of the US, gambling remains a hidden addiction.
This awareness campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, treatment providers, the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association (OIGA), and gambling operators.
“Across Oklahoma this March during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, OAPGG is committed to making sure the public understand what the signs of problem gambling are, and most importantly, the resources that are available to get help,” said Wiley Harwell, executive director of OAPGG.
OAPGG will be hosting its fifteenth annual conference on problem gambling this year, featuring nationally recognized speakers online throughout the month of March. OAPGG will also be promoting awareness through Facebook (www.facebook.com/OAPGG/) and Twitter (twitter.com/OkAssocPGG), and social media users are invited to use the tag #smartplayok throughout the month to increase awareness of responsible gambling.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.