Core Purpose
The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is the advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families in Washington State.
The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is a 501(3)( c ) charity, founded in 1991. From the beginning, ECPG has maintained a position of neutrality on gambling, recognizing that most people who gamble do so for recreation and suffer no serious problems. However, for some, gambling becomes a serious addiction, devastating to the individual and the family. ECPG works to help these individuals.
The Board of Directors of ECPG is composed of concerned people from the treatment community, the recovering community, and the gambling industry. They oversee the Council’s many important programs.
Operation of a Statewide Helpline
ECPG contracts for a 1-800-helpline serving callers throughout Washington State. Helpline callers may receive:
§ In-depth information packets addressing Problem and Pathological Gambling
§ Contact numbers for the nearest Gambler’s Anonymous group
§ Referral to professional treatment providers
For Problem Gamblers and their families, calling the Helpline, 1-800-547-6133, is often the first step on the road to recovery.
Working with the Gambling Industry
ECPG works with the gambling industry to address Problem Gambling in Washington State. In 1999, ECPG helped form the Industry Working Group, composed of representatives from Native American tribes, the private gambling industry, nonprofit gambling, the lottery, horseracing, the Gambling commission, and other industry groups and regulatory agencies. The group developed Problem Gambling policies for implementation at gaming facilities and produced and funded a training video on Problem Gambling Awareness. This video is available at no charge to gambling facilities and other organizations in Washington State. In addition, ECPG provides in-depth training to owners, managers, and employees of the gambling industry.
Public Awareness
One of the most important goals of ECPG is to increase the public’s awareness of Problem and Pathological Gambling. ECPG conducts public awareness presentations throughout Washington State for many groups, including businesses, social service organizations, senior citizens groups, financial organizations, colleges and universities, and many others. Click here for more information on scheduling a Public Awareness Presentation The Council operates a website at www.evergreencpg.org, which provides information for the public and researchers.
Youth Awareness
Studies show that adolescents have a higher rate of Problem and Pathological Gambling than adults. ECPG and its Youth Gambling Advisory Group work to address this problem, engaging in awareness work among adolescents, educators, and professionals working with at-risk youth. The Council conducts educational conferences on adolescent Problem Gambling and presentations for those working with youth. In addition, ECPG conducts talks and presentations to school classes and youth groups.
National Council on Problem Gambling
ECPG is an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). WSCPG representatives have served on the NCPG Board of Directors, the Affiliates Committee, and many other NCPG bodies. WSCPG members have held high positions as NCPG officers and committee chairs, including the position of NCPG president. WSCPG joins with NCPG to work on many National Issues. In 2001, ECPG hosted the 15th Annual Conference on Problem Gambling in Seattle. |
