Oregon Lottery is focused on increasing awareness of problem gambling and safer play in March -- also known as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). By participating in this annual, grassroots campaign, Oregon Lottery collaborates both locally and nationally to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
This year's theme, "Seeking Understanding," focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, the goal is to encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.
"Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a critical time to highlight the realities of gambling addiction and break down the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help. In Oregon, it provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of gambling-related harm and ensure that those affected receive the support and resources they need," said Glenn Yamagata, executive director Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG). "This year's theme, 'Seeking Understanding,' aligns with OCPG's mission to foster awareness, compassion, and meaningful access to care."
Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling year-round by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website. In 2024, Oregon Lottery worked with the Oregon Health Authority to enhance the OPGR website with additional resources designed to reduce stigma and reach more people at more points on their help seeking journey. This included a link for free access to EVIVE -- a first of its kind digital health app, offering solutions for quitting, moderating, or simply playing safer.
"This year's PGAM theme really resonates for us," said Stacy Shaw, who leads Oregon Lottery's Safer Play Program and is an OCPG board member. "We know that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to treatment, and we're working to normalize both safer play and help seeking in our marketing outreach."
Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
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