News and Events (Scroll to see stories)
As a leader in the Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling field, ECPG has its hands in a wide variety of news and events. Here are the latest happenings.
Recent News Releases:
Washington Students Embark on Amazing Race to Raise Awareness
Four Arts Projects Chosen to Receive Problem Gambling Awareness Funds In Mt. Vernon, Maple Valley, Spanaway, and Mossyrock, junior high and high school students will join a virtual "race" to spread the word that gambling of any kind requires limits and respect. Recent studies are documenting powerful brain chemistry involved with gambling, similar to substance use. The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) and Washington State’s Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) have teamed up for the second year to fund student-to-student messages designed to develop problem gambling awareness. The organizations this week announce that they will award grants to four student groups.
New Campaign Targets Underage Gamblers
TACOMA, Wash. - Dealer Alonzo Clemons is always vigilant. He faces fines and penalties if he deals to underage gamblers.
"We're primed and ready, and looking for them," he said.
His employer, Great American Casino in Tacoma, mandates regular classes for dealers and those who must check identification. Additionally, management also aggressively tests its own employees.
Gambling Bill Before Congress
HR 2906 would provide the nation's first federal funding for the prevention, treatment, and research of problem gambling.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week March 7-13, 2010
ECPG is part of a nationwide public awareness campaign. Read about activities being coordinated by ECPG in Washington State.
Problem Gambling Awareness is a Growth Area in Washington State
Gambling is as much a part of the economic and physical landscape in Washington State as Microsoft in Western Washington and apple production in Eastern Washington. It now contributes millions of dollars to the state’s economy. Yet, throughout the state and nation, nearly everyone in the industry is wondering how much gambling will shrink as the economy tightens.
While the economic future of gambling may hold uncertainties, the future of problem gambling awareness does not. Leaders in providing problem gambling treatment, training, and awareness programs and services in Washington State are not waiting for greener economic pastures to expand problem gambling awareness. The time for growth is now.
International Creative Award for Underage Gambling Campaign
OLYMPIA - For its creative public service campaign on underage gambling the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) was awarded a MarCom award (www.marcomawards.com).
Selected from among 5,000 candidates to receive the Gold MarCom Award, ECPG was acknowledged for exceeding a high standard of excellence and work that serves as a benchmark for the industry. The award was administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
Congressional Testimony by Keith Whyte, Executive Director, National Council on Problem Gambling
http://www.ncpgambling.org/files/public/advocacy/NCPG_Statement_on_HR_2267_12-3-2009.pdf
Lottery Tickets Can Be A Fun Gift - But Not for Minors
Olympia, WA—The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG), Washington’s Lottery, and Washington State Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse are joining together to warn parents and adults that lottery tickets are not appropriate holiday gifts for children and teens under the age of 18.
“Some problem gamblers get their start as early as ages 10, 11, and 12, when impulse and attention control are extremely vulnerable,” notes Rhonda Stone, ECPG community education coordinator. “There are significant developmental reasons why lottery games and all forms of gambling are prohibited for anyone under 18.”
New Directions Music & Art Youth Academy
In 2009, ECPG launched the first Academy, using the arts to engage youth in important information about problem gambling and other addictive behaviors.
Youth Problem Gambling Through the Arts Grant Program
ECPG offers grants for youth arts projects that spread the word about Problem Gambling. The 2010 deadline was February 15. See a list of recipients and, on or before June 1, 2010, see the completed projects.
National Conference on Problem Gambling National Conference
ECPG is proud to be an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling and participate regularly in its national conference.
Four Directions Tribal Problem Gambling Awareness Conference
ECPG is partnering with the Tulalip Tribes to present this year's Four Directions Conference: Honoring Our Past and Protecting Our Future, September 30-October 2, 2010. The conference brings together Tribal leaders and members across the state and nation to discuss issues related to tribal gaming.
Western Regional Conference on Problem Gambling
Called "Focus on the Future," this event will not be held in May 2010 because the National Council on Problem Gambling will hold the Annual National Conference in Portland, OR on June 9—12, 2010.