To provide public education directed at creating awareness of problem gambling as a serious public health problem, to communicate the signs and symptoms of problem gambling, and to provide information about community resources.

To operate a Helpline that provides information about and referrals to treatment services for the problem gambler and their families.

To conduct prevention programs across the state of Connecticut to increase awareness of the issue of problem gambling.

To train mental heath and addiction service providers and other health service professionals in approaches to prevention, assessment, and treatment of problem gambling.

To advocate for the establishment of sufficient prevention and treatment programs in the public sector.

To conduct research on problem gambling through utilization of surveys and other evaluative tools to establish a knowledge base for the creation of effective treatment practices and further program development.

To provide consultation to social service and educational organizations for the development of presentations/training for employees and for the communities which the organization serves.

To collaborate with local and national organizations to further enhance public education on problem gambling and treatment programs for gamblers and their families.

To collaborate with the public and private gaming industry to develop responsible gaming/wagering practices so as to reduce underage gambling and the impact of program gambling on its customers and employees.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was founded in 1972 by concerned individuals to advocate for the creation of treatment services for compulsive gamblers and their families. NCPG also provides information on problem gambling for the public and referral services through its Helpline to problem gamblers and others affected by the problem.

The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) was founded in 1980 and became the first affiliate council of the NCPG. CCPG's relationship with other affiliate councils is based on common goals and on a frequent sharing of ideas, materials and resources. For additional information regarding NCPG and its affiliates, see our Links page.

In 1981, CCPG collaborated with legislators in Connecticut in the successful effort to pass legislation to create, in 1982, the first state operated treatment program in the United States. A close working relationship developed between CCPG and the Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services (DMHAS). CCPG also actively collaborates with the state gambling regulatory agency, the gambling industry and a number of community organizations.

In 1994 CCPG realized its goal of establishing a 24-hour Helpline serving three states (CT, MA, and RI). Referrals are primarily made to specialized treatment services and to Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon. Yearly statistical Helpline summaries have been valuable in profiling a year-to-year portrait of problem gamblers.

In 1986 and 1989, CCPG conducted the first statewide studies on gambling and problem gambling among high school students.

In 2003, Central Connecticut State University collaborated with CCPG on the first comprehensive study in Connecticut among University students.

CCPG is funded primarily by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegan Tribal Nation and the Department of Mental Health and Addictions Services.