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Play Responsibly When Playing Games of Chance

August is Missouri’s Responsible Gaming Education Month, and the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling reminds all Missourians to engage in responsible play when it comes to gambling. The month-long initiative has informed Missouri residents about ways to gamble responsibly since its inception in 2003.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 to 3% of the United States population show signs of having a gambling problem. The Missouri Alliance wants residents here to know there are strategies that can be used to keep games of chance from developing into a problem. These include setting time and budget limits, never borrowing money to gamble and including other forms of entertainment in their daily lives.

In support of the campaign, The Missouri Alliance is also airing “Don’t Let Gambling Break You” television and radio public service announcements (PSAs) throughout the month (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygPdfD1Z8WU).

The Alliance’s year-round 888-BETSOFF program exists to help connect people who are struggling with a gambling problem with the appropriate resources to seek assistance. Anyone who thinks they have a gambling problem, or thinks they know someone with a gambling problem, is encouraged to call the free helpline for information on the resources available.

Free help from licensed professionals can be accessed by calling 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), emailing freehelp@888betsoff.org or visiting 888betsoff.org.

In addition, the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery both offer their own voluntary, self-exclusion lists for problem gamblers. More information about problem gambling concerns and responsible gaming can be found at 888betsoff.org, ncpgambling.org and gamblersanonymous.org.