Play Responsibly When Playing Games of Chance
In support of Missouri’s Responsible Gaming Education Month, the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling encourages Missouri citizens to play responsibly to prevent the development of a gambling problem. Introduced in 2003, Missouri’s month-long initiative aims to inform the public on the variety of ways to gamble responsibly.
“While we want anyone who chooses to gamble to exercise good judgment all year long, we want to highlight the many strategies Missourians can use to keep games of chance just games,” said Mark Rembecki, interim Missouri Alliance Chairperson.
“Missourians who enjoy recreational gambling can do so responsibly by setting time and budget limits, never borrowing money to gamble and including other forms of entertainment in their daily lives,” Rembecki explained.
In support of the campaign, Missouri gaming providers are conducting employee training sessions in addition to onsite public educational events. The Missouri Alliance is also airing its new “Don’t Let Gambling Break You” TV and radio public service announcements (PSAs) throughout the month.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2-3 percent of the United States’ population exhibits signs of having a gambling problem.
“Above all else, we want people to know that the 1-888-BETSOFF program exists to help connect people who are struggling with resources,” Rembecki said. “Anybody who thinks they have a gambling problem, or thinks they know someone with a gambling problem, is encouraged to call the free helpline for information on the resources available to them.”
To access free help from licensed professionals, please call 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), email freehelp@888betsoff.org, or visit 888betsoff.org. The Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery both offer their own voluntary, self-exclusion lists for problem gamblers. More information about problem gambling concerns and responsible gaming can be found at 888betsoff.org, ncpgambling.org and gamblersanonymous.org.
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About the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (888betsoff.org)
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, which was created in 1997, is a partnership between the Missouri Lottery, Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Missouri Gaming Association, Missouri Gaming Commission, Port Authority of Kansas City and a recovery community representative. The purpose of the Alliance is to educate Missourians on the potential characteristics and dangers of problem and compulsive gambling, to refer compulsive gamblers and their family and friends to free treatment through a toll-free help line, to prevent underage play and to promote responsible gaming.
