1	Keeping Gambling a Game Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling Oct. 5, 2003 Presented by: Shelly Perez Responsible Gambling Coordinator, Missouri Lottery
2	Thoughts, feelings, opinions -where do you stand? Agree or Disagree? Most people in the United States gamble? Gambling activity is on the increase? Some forms of gambling are riskier than others in regards to problem gambling? Gambling is an adult activity and is not a serious concern for young people? Most gambling does not result in problem behavior?
3	Thoughts, feelings & opinions Compulsive gambling is a disease? Gambling is an appropriate topic of discussion with young people? Most people feel that gambling is morally wrong? Problem gambling occurs more often in low-income families than the general population? Riverboat, state and charity-sponsored gambling has increased the incidence of problem gambling?
4	Legalized Gambling in Missouri: In 1981, Missouri’s voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow religious, charitable, veteran, fraternal or service organization to host bingo. In 1984, voters approved the Lottery. Sales began in January 1986. In 1992, Missouri voters approved the creation of riverboat gambling. The first riverboat casinos opened in 1994. Currently there are 11 casino locations.
5	How big a problem is problem and pathological gambling? A 1996 study conducted by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that: 95 percent of individuals who take part in gambling activities do so responsibly. The range of adult lifetime pathological gambling is somewhere between .6 and 1.5 percent. Between 3 to 5 percent of adults who gamble experience personal, financial and social difficulties due to a gambling problem. The number of youths at risk of becoming problem gamblers is more than double that of adults.
6	Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (MACPG)
7	MACPG voting members Missouri Department of of Mental Health Missouri Lottery Missouri Gaming Commission Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns, Inc. Port Authority of Kansas City
8	Participating Members Association of Charitable Games of Missouri Co-occurring Distractions, Lee’s Summit Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Life Crisis Services N-the Wrightway Corp., Kansas City Provident Counseling, St. Louis Treatment providers Researchers
9	MACPG goals Promote prevention & education programs for Missouri’s youth. Raise public awareness of the dangers of problem and underage gambling. Publicize toll-free 888-BETSOFF help line. Promote the availability of free treatment. Promote responsible gaming.
10	1-888-BETSOFF Help line is managed by Life Crisis Services of St. Louis.
11	Free treatment Free treatment is provided through 20 addiction service providers located throughout the state, including five new providers . More than 370 individuals received free treatment in calendar year 2002. Currently there are 152 certified compulsive gambling counselors in Missouri. Funding for treatment is provided through 1-cent/admission fee to Missouri’s riverboat casinos. The admission fee is paid to the state, so funding must be allocated annually.
12	Missouri Voluntary Exclusion Program Lifetime exclusion Confidential Nearly 900 individuals have self-excluded already in 2003 (January – July)
13	Other voluntary exclusion programs Individual exclusion programs offered by casinos Self-transaction programs to limit or deny access (while in a casino) to funds obtained by using: ATM cards debit cards cash advances from credit cards
14	MACPG awareness tools August is Responsible Gaming Education Month 2003 Featured: Public forum; Gambling prevention track in national youth conference held in St. Louis; Annual public meeting of the Alliance; Featured speaker; Counselor training; and Educational exhibits.
15	Additional MACPG awareness tools www.888BETSOFF. com Web site; Play responsible message in advertising; Employee training; Informational video; Billboards in major cities; Educational exhibits; Quarterly newsletter, “Bets Off Bulletin”; Speakers Bureau; Youth Gambling Prevention programs.
16	MACPG awareness tools Posters & brochures in riverboats, retailers and mental health outlets.
17	Different audiences – different campaigns Generic campaign Revised in 2002; Focus on friends and family members of problem gamblers.
18	Different audiences – different campaigns continued: Older Adult Revised in 2001; Focus on friends and family members of problem gamblers.
19	Different audiences – different campaigns continued: Youth Revised in 2002; Focus on friends and family members of problem gamblers.
20	MACPG awareness tools Broadcast PSAs statewide …
21	Public Service Announcement featuring:
22	Public Service Announcement featuring:
23	AGA personal guidelines for gambling responsibly 1. The decision to gamble is a personal choice. 2. Gambling is not essential for having a good time. 3. What constitutes an acceptable loss needs to be established before starting to gamble. 4. There are times when people should not gamble. 5. There are certain high risk situations during which gambling should be avoided.
24	What can you do to help? Learn more about problem gambling and prevention. Observe peers, employees and family members for the warning signs associated with compulsive gambling. Help raise awareness through displaying/distributing prevention posters and brochures. Publicize the 888BETSOFF help line for employees, patrons, family and friends of compulsive gamblers.
25	"Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem..." Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling PO Box 104591 Jefferson City, MO 65110 www.888betsoff.com Contacts: Shelly Perez, Missouri Lottery Melissa Stephens, Gaming Commission PO Box 1603 PO Box 1847 Jefferson City, MO 65102 Jefferson City, MO 65102 573-526-7467 573-522-1373 perezs@molottery.com mstephens@mgc.dps.mo.gov