Beaver State News

The Oregon Lottery is placing a spotlight on problem gambling and promoting safer play during March, which is recognized as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By engaging in this annual campaign, the Oregon Lottery collaborates both locally and nationally to advance prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

This year's theme, "Seeking Understanding," aims to raise awareness about problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The initiative seeks to foster empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support for those affected by gambling-related harm.

"Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a critical time to highlight the realities of gambling addiction and break down the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help. In Oregon, it provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of gambling-related harm and ensure that those affected receive the support and resources they need," said Glenn Yamagata, executive director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG). "This year’s theme, ‘Seeking Understanding,’ aligns with OCPG’s mission to foster awareness, compassion, and meaningful access to care."

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free professional counseling throughout the year by visiting the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. In 2024, enhancements were made to the OPGR website through collaboration between Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Health Authority. These improvements include additional resources designed to reduce stigma and reach more people at various stages of their help-seeking journey. Among these resources is EVIVE – a digital health app offering solutions for quitting or moderating gambling or simply playing safer.

"This year’s PGAM theme really resonates for us," said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery’s Safer Play Program and serves as an OCPG board member. "We know that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to treatment, and we’re working to normalize both safer play and help seeking in our marketing outreach."

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have been allocated toward funding problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts across Oregon. To date, over $148 million from Lottery funds has supported these services.

The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling serves as the state affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote health among Oregonians by supporting efforts aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm. Board members come from various sectors including gaming industry professionals, treatment specialists, recovery community members, as well as state and county administrators.

Since its inception on April 25, 1985, the Oregon Lottery has generated more than $16.5 billion for economic development initiatives such as public education projects, outdoor school programs, state parks maintenance activities along with veteran services provision alongside watershed enhancements. For further information regarding responsible gaming impacts or other details about operations visit www.oregonlottery.org.