March/April 2020 E-News

PGAM Recap/COVID-19
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which provides us with the opportunity to leverage the national spotlight to increase public awareness of problem gambling, the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery resources, and to encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.  Across the state, CCPG had planned a full schedule of events that included 8 community impact events, 7 problem gambling screening events at colleges, 6 trainings for behavioral health professionals, and 12 industry awareness events at Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, the Connecticut Lottery, and Sportech (OTB). While we ultimately postponed the majority of these sessions due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent quarantine , we were able to hold several community and industry awareness events before everything came to a sudden and unexpected halt.

Our legislative ice cream social at the Connecticut State Capitol drew over 125 attendees who, in addition to enjoying delicious ice cream and a full toppings bar, learned about problem gambling as a societal issue and resources for help available statewide. Events in Wallingford and Hartford featured moving stories of recovery, student-created awareness PSAs, and problem gambling presentations, which facilitated robust discussions around the issue. We were also able to conduct several days of industry awareness outreach at the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos as well. We hope to reschedule all postponed events for a later date, stay tuned for further information.

As our world has pivoted to the internet for education, entertainment, and escape, many meetings and resources have moved online for the time being. Scroll down to see a list of upcoming webinars of relevance to the problem gambling community. Feel free to reach out if we can provide any additional support.

Advocacy Update

With the entire casino industry across the United States shut down for the time being and the legislative session in Connecticut on hold indefinitely, the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments urged Governor Lamont to immediately grant the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes permission to provide online gaming in an effort to jumpstart the economy. The Governor declined, stating "Authorizing online gaming and enabling consumers to more easily access gambling is a significant policy decision that has not yet been embraced or acted upon by our legislature. Doing so at a time when so many Connecticut residents are in financial distress would be a particularly significant policy decision to make without legislative approval."

The 2020 Connecticut General Assembly legislative session was scheduled to run through May 6, but is currently in recess and no adjusted timeline has been given . There could potentially be a special session this fall to deal with key legislation, of which sports betting and online gambling may be included. Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn , where we'll share the latest developments and visit our website where we provide resources to help you stay involved.
Online Resources/Webinars

With most of us working from home during this time, opportunities for professional development have moved online. Here are some webinars and problem gambling training opportunities. Click on the link(s) for more information and to register.

April 10: Financial Literacy Webinar ( Advocacy Unlimited )

April 20: Game-Bling - When Gaming Meets Gambling ( YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program )

April 24: A Stress Management/Mindfulness Approach to Working with the Problem Gambler ( Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, University of Maryland School of Medicine )

May 13: What People Do in 12-Step Programs that Mobilizes Change and Why ( International Center For Responsible Gambling/Global Gaming Expo )

May 29: Positive Psychology: A Strength Based Approach to Working with Gamblers ( Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, University of Maryland School of Medicine )

June 18: Patterns of Daily Fantasy Sports Play: Implications for the Emerging US Sports Betting Market  ( International Center For Responsible Gambling/Global Gaming Expo )
How to Support the CCPG

For nearly 40 years, the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling has advocated for problem gamblers and their families, providing critical helpline, advocacy and awareness services across the entire state. Our Problem Gambling Helpline is Connecticut’s only 24-hour, 7 days a week helpline, offering support via phone, text and live online chat.  

Helpline calls are answered by trained professionals who assist callers in gathering needed information, exploring options for treatment and providing support during a time of crisis.

How can you help support CCPG and the Problem Gambling Helpline?  
To effectively carry out our mission to increase the availability of services for both those suffering from problem gambling and their families, as well as to educate the community on the serious issue of problem and disordered gambling, we ask for your support.

Every time you make a contribution to CCPG, your dollars help support the following programs and services:

  • 24-hour toll-free confidential helpline, providing referrals for treatment and support groups for problem gamblers and their families
  • Public awareness and education
  • Training for human service professionals
  • Advocacy for services to adequately address the social costs of gambling
  • Research studies to obtain data to inform program development and public policy

You can help individuals and families who are struggling with disordered and problem gambling get help by making a donation to the CCPG. It's easy to donate at www.ccpg.org/support or by using the button below.

Thank you for bringing help and hope to thousands of people who need it.