The Pennsylvania Lottery recently received the World Lottery Association’s Level 2 Responsible Gaming Certification for promoting responsible gambling by issuing information about the warning signs of gambling problems during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko said, “As part of our commitment to be socially responsible, we ask every player to always play responsibly. That means playing within your financial means and only for entertainment. Most adults can play lottery games without issue, but anyone who may be struggling with gambling addiction should not play at all. In addition, we strongly discourage adults from giving games to children. Players must be 18 or older.”
Lottery officials noted players may block themselves from playing the new iLottery scratch-off, Keno and draw games.
The Pennsylvania Lottery continues to support the National Council on Problem Gambling and offers a confidential hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) and a 24-hour chat service at www.pacouncil.com, operated by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.
NPCG Executive Director Keith Whyte noted in 2017, dedicated problem gambling funds increased 22 percent, from $60 million to $73 million. However, public funding allocated to problem gambling services remains low, with 10 states and the District of Columbia not providing any public funding for problem gambling. “If keeping people healthy and safe is a priority, then we should expand funding for problem gambling education and treatment, not keep cutting it,” Whyte said.
