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Prevention of Problem Gambling
October 1999, Vol II, Issue 10

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

PREVENTION STRATEGIES IN ACTION

Now that we have finished the series on the six prevention strategies, we will devote the following issues to examples from the field of problem gambling of each of the strategies. Information and Community Awareness strategies aim to educate in a passive manner; that is, there is no exchange between parties.

Media Campaign Raises Awareness
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling
In June, 1999, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health collaborated on a media campaign aimed at increasing awareness and urging the general public (with an emphasis on the elderly) to contact the Council's Helpline. A 40% increase in Helpline calls was realized.

PBS Documentary
Christopher Armentano and Lisa Simmons
A one-hour documentary on compulsive gambling utilizing compulsive gamblers telling their stories was aired on CT Public Television. The program generated much publicity and awareness and an increase in calls to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling's Helpline.

Targeted Public Awareness Campaign
The Gambling Problem Resource Center of the Minnesota Institute of Public Health has achieved success in coordinating its public awareness efforts by tarGetting specific groups including ethnic and racial minorities, media outlets, and professional personnel. They have found that the targeted approach produces a greater level of response in a much more cost efficient manner.

Earned Media Recognition
Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling
To increase public awareness through the media, the Texas Council issues "media advisories". These provide all of the 26 media markets in Texas with information on gambling issues along with the name of a contact person in their geographic area. This is done in anticipation of specific events such as the Super Bowl. This process has led to public awareness stories in nearly all of the markets while building the reputation of the Council within the media as a significant resource.

Local Problem Gambling Helplines

CT 800-346-6238
MA 800-426-1234
RI 877-9-GAMBLE
VT 888-822-8274