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RALEIGH – The Education Lottery is joining state and national efforts to raise awareness about problem gambling and the free counseling and treatment services available to anyone in North Carolina without having to leave their home.

In an official proclamation, Gov. Roy Cooper urged North Carolinians to join the nation in the observance of March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. “Problem gambling is treatable,” said the proclamation.

Recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month and partnering with state and national organizations provides another opportunity to share treatment and counseling resources with North Carolinians who might need it.

Free resources and treatment are available to anyone who is concerned about their own gambling or that of a loved one — made possible by an annual $1 million contribution from the lottery. This contribution funds the N.C. Problem Gambling Program.

“We want people to play smart when they play the lottery,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the lottery. “Part of playing smart is knowing when to seek help. Anyone who might be experiencing a problem can get free, confidential help right here in North Carolina, and, especially important now, in the comfort of their own home.”

During March, the lottery will share information on all its communication platforms. That includes a TV advertising campaign and information on the lottery’s website, social media channels and multimedia monitors in all 7,000 lottery retail locations.

“Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an important time to highlight our on-going partnership with the lottery,” said Amanda Winters, program director for the N.C. Problem Gambling Program. “No one is immune from the potential harms of this addiction. As a whole, we work together to raise awareness around the issue, reduce stigma, and help people who are experiencing problems with gambling by guiding them to the no-cost treatment options available in our state.”

Help is only a text or click away.

Text morethanagamenc to 53342.
Chat online at www.morethanagamenc.com.
Call toll-free at (877) 718-5543.

Looking out after the interest of players goes hand-in-hand with the lottery’s mission to raise money for education. For details on how lottery funds made a difference in all of North Carolina’s 100 counties, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website. For more information on the campaign, visit www.ncpgambling.org. If you or someone you care about has a problem with gambling, visit morethanagamenc.com.