Middletown, PA – Recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Lottery today reminded players how to recognize the symptoms a gambling problem and pointed to available resources that can help.
 
“We want every player to always play responsibly. For some people, that may mean not playing at all,” said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “The Lottery helps to fund the Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, which offers confidential help if compulsive gambling is a concern for you or someone you care about.”
 
Gambling can be considered to be a problem when it causes financial hardship; harms relationships with friends or loved ones; interferes with work, school or other activities; or impacts physical or mental health. Other symptoms of a gambling problem include trying to hide or lying about gambling; using gambling as an escape to avoid dealing with other problems; or feeling depressed or angry afterward.
 
For confidential help, call the toll-free Pennsylvania Problem Gambling helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). More resources, including a 24-hour chat service, are also available at www.pacouncil.com, operated by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.
 
As part of its social responsibility mission, the Pennsylvania Lottery funds and actively promotes the Problem Gambling helpline. The toll-free number, along with messages encouraging responsible play, appears on tickets, advertising and the nightly televised drawing show.
 
“Playing responsibly means always playing within your financial means and only for entertainment,” Svitko added. “Importantly, because players must be 18 or older, we strongly discourage adults from giving lottery games to children.”
 
The Pennsylvania Lottery has earned the World Lottery Association’s Level 2 Responsible Gaming Certification for its continuing efforts to promote responsible play.
 
To learn more about the warning signs of problem gambling and find out about available services, visit www.palottery.state.pa.us/About-PA-Lottery/Play-Responsibly.aspx.
 
About Us: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery to direct all proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since ticket sales began in 1972, it has contributed nearly $27 billion to fund property tax and rent rebates, transportation, care services, prescription assistance, and local services including senior centers and meals. 
 
Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for help with a compulsive gambling problem.
 
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