New Jersey Lottery and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey Raise Public Awareness of Problem Gambling

March 2, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a Proclamation declaring March 2021 Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey.

“We are pleased to support this initiative and to be an integral part of spreading the Responsible Play message to the general public and to our Lottery retailers by launching the Lottery’s March 2021 Problem Gambling Awareness Month Campaign,” said New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey, Jr. “’Awareness + Action’ is the theme for this month-long campaign.”

Throughout the month, the New Jersey Lottery will be working with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) to educate the general public and health care professionals about the importance of playing responsibly and the warning signs of problem gambling.

As part of that effort, the Lottery and the Council have developed a video to raise awareness about Problem Gambling Awareness Month and to provide information about the help available both locally and nationally for anyone who may experience a gambling disorder. The video is available for viewing on the “Responsible Play” page of the Lottery’s website.

To reinforce that message, the Lottery launched an advertising campaign based on the message, “Dream big. Play responsibly. Life is about balance. The New Jersey Lottery is a provider of fun and entertaining games that should be played responsibly. The Lottery should not be considered or played as an alternative source of income.”

According to Neva Pryor, executive director of the CCGNJ, “The Lottery is a valuable partner with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey in efforts to reinforce the message about the importance of playing responsibly and to share information about the warning signs that gambling is becoming a problem. We are pleased to partner with the Lottery in producing this video to raise awareness about gambling disorders. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you or someone you know has a gambling problem: we offer support, treatment and hope.”