PRESS RELEASE

HARRISBURG: The PGCB is providing National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) information designed to help educate the public and health care providers about problem gambling warning signs and where to call for help.

The PGCB information will raise awareness of the consequences of problem gambling and the resources available for individuals whose gambling is causing disruption in their lives. The informational materials on the PGCB website (www.pgcb.state.pa.us) may be accessed by clicking on the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week logo on the home page. Additionally, the documents will be made available on the Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ website by clicking on “Problem Gambling Awareness Information.”

“The information that we are providing to the public includes documents developed by the National Counsel on Problem Gambling such as: Signs of a Problem Gambler; Older Adults and Gambling; and Signs of a Possible Gambling Problem in Students,” says Nanette Horner, the PGCB’s Director of Compulsive and Problem Gambling. “This information is geared toward educating the public about the effects of problem gambling, providing tools necessary to identify the problem and identifying access to services that help minimize the consequences of problem gambling.”

Horner adds that several entities licensed by the PGCB are sponsors of NPGAW such as IGT and Harrah’s (Platinum Sponsors) and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs (Silver Sponsor). For a complete list of sponsors and participants, go to www.npgaw.org .

The PGCB, Pennsylvania Lottery, Horse Racing Commission, Harness Racing Commission and the Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs will have displays and information available in Strawberry Square on Walnut Street in Harrisburg on March 5, 2007 from 11:00-2:00 and in the mini-rotunda of the Capitol on March 6, 2007 from 11:00-2:00.

For more information on treatment options and the availability of assistance for problem gambling in Pennsylvania, call the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania’s toll-free helpline (1-800-848-1880) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s toll-free information line (1-877-565-2112).

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