March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March 29, 2022

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Connecticut fully launched online casino gaming and sports betting in October 2021. While gambling may be a form of entertainment for some people, it is a harmful addiction for others.

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please take advantage of the resources below, which are available in Connecticut.

Resources for Program Gambling

  • The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) offers a free, online live chat serviceMonday through Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and weekends from noon to midnight. People can also call one of Problem Gambling Helplines at (888) 789-7777 or (800) 346-6238. This service offers confidential assistance 24 hours a day and can answer questions and provide referrals to clinicians across Connecticut with expertise in problem gambling. CCPG also offers print resources, news, events and training information at ccpg.org.
  • The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) operates the Problem Gambling Services program to offer a comprehensive network of consumer-oriented problem gambling recovery services in Connecticut and fostering an environment that promotes informed choices around gambling behavior. For more information, please click HERE.
  • Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, and budget counseling for both problem gamblers and family members, psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members, and couples and family counseling. To speak with a gambling counselor or find the nearest Bettor Choice Program, call (860) 344-2244 or (866) 440-4375.
  • Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength and hope so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. 
  • Gam-Anon is a self-help organization for the loved ones of problem gamblers.

Self-Exclusion Program

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) offers a self-exclusion program to help anyone affected by problem gambling to distance themselves from it. Self-exclusion allows people to voluntarily ban themselves from all forms of gambling in the state.
Individuals who enroll in self-exclusion are prohibited from collecting any winnings, recovering any losses or accepting complimentary gifts or services or any other thing of value from a licensee or operator. Operators in other states or countries may choose to exclude those on the Connecticut self-exclusion list from their services.
You can sign up for the self-exclusion list HERE.
There are options to remove yourself from the self-exclusion list once you have reached the end of your selected 1- or 5-year exclusion period. If you select the lifetime self-exclusion option, you will not be able to remove yourself from the list.

Responsible Play

Gambling responsibly means knowing the risks and how to minimize them such as financial trouble, issues with friends and family or in some cases, alcohol and drug abuse while gambling. Strategies like setting a budget, taking breaks and educating yourself on how games work are just a few tips on being a safer and smarter player. 

CCPG offers additional resources on gambling responsibly at responsibleplayct.org, which is done in partnership with CT Lottery, DMHAS, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Casinos and Sportech.