March 04, 2024

Arkansas Lottery Recognizes Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Little Rock, Ark.

The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery (ASL), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This initiative aims to raise public awareness about problem gambling and provide information on prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. It is estimated that around 1% of the adult population in the United States suffers from severe problem gambling, while another 2-3% are classified as having mild or moderate problem gambling.

“This month, we are dedicated to promoting awareness about problem gambling and its impact on individuals and their loved ones,” said Eric Hagler, ASL executive director. “The mission of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery is to provide proceeds for scholarships in a responsible way. 

“We want to remind people that the lottery is meant to be enjoyable and entertaining, regardless of whether they win or lose, and not a means to make money.” 

In 2019, ASL received Responsible Gambling Certification from the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries and the NCPG. The certification involves a multi-step verification program to ensure the lottery provides best practices in training for lottery employees and retailers and treatment options for players who may have a gambling problem. 

Hagler urges players to visit MyArkansasLottery.com/PlayersHub for more information on problem gambling. The website offers resources on becoming more aware of problem gambling and playing responsibly by understanding the odds and prize-claiming procedures.

Problem gambling is a preventable and treatable disorder. If gambling is causing a problem for you or someone you know, call or text the 24-hour confidential National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

About the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery
The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery creates winning people, winning futures and winning moments. Since 2009, the ASL has sold over $7.2 billion and returned more than $1.3 billion for scholarships to benefit Arkansas students. More than 720,000 college scholarships have been awarded to Arkansans. The lottery has awarded more than $4.8 billion in prizes to players, about $406 million in retailer commissions, and provided more than $175 million in state and federal tax revenue.

Follow the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit MyArkansasLottery.com for more information on scholarships, winners, games, odds, promotions – and to join The Club for free. To get help with problem gambling, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.