PREVENTION

People strive to maintain positive coping skills and healthy lifestyles in order to deal with the stressors in their lives and to achieve balance and well-being. In the field of problem gambling, it is important to understand that gambling is not a risk-free activity. It is essential to gain an understanding about the risk factors, warning signs and resources available to a gambler and/or his family and friends.

In addition to educating the community about gambling, it is critical that we use multiple prevention strategies targeting multiple populations in order to create meaningful change. A comprehensive prevention approach should include public awareness and media campaigns, community involvement & capacity building, professional education and skills training, resources, research and evaluation, and standards and policies. Issues such as legislation, public policy, and school policy/enforcement are also essential as gambling activity increases in acceptance and access.

	Public Awareness and Media Campaigns: Provide accurate, balanced information on gambling, the consequences of problem gambling, and promote healthier alternatives to gambling.
	Community Involvement & Capacity Building: Support the development of city/state policies and prevention initiatives to foster an environment where responsible gambling is the norm.
	Professional and Educational Training: Develop and deliver training that is evidence-based and is reflective of best practices in the field of prevention.
	Resources: Support the development of effective prevention programs and initiatives through partnership with community/state/private organizations, through collaboration of planning and delivery at the community level, and through dissemination of information and gambling prevention resources.
	Research and Evaluation: Maintain participation in development of research to further examine the underlying factors contributing to problem gambling.
	Standards & Policies: Develop standards and policies to decrease risk, such as Responsible Gambling Standards, polices for effective delivery of prevention services, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of problem gambling initiatives/training.

For community prevention awareness, training and/or for consultation and training on problem gambling, please contact:

Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
1-888-789-7777

For immediate assistance with a gambling problem contact the Problem Gambling Helpline: