Problem Gambling Awareness Week (PGAW) is held every year during the first full week in March throughout the United States.
The next PGAW is March 3 – 9, 2013.
Mission and Goals
Since 2003, the week has aimed to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally for problem gamblers and their families.
We invite you to join us by participating in at least one educational activity during the week. The National Problem Gambling Awareness Week website offers a variety of free tools, suggested activities and the necessary materials, including:
- Fast two-question diagnostic screen for healthcare providers;
- TV Public Service Announcement (PSA) for the gaming industry;
- Sample proclamations for state, tribal, county and city government;
- Fact sheets on internet gambling, youth, seniors, etc…1
What happens during the week?
During the week, each state hosts a variety of summits, trainings, presentations, and materials are given out to everyone for free and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) releases new research or resources throughout the country.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Week
What happens in California?
In California, organizations throughout the state come together to support the goal of promoting awareness, prevention and treatment to those in need and the state Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) hosts a Summit each year.
The Problem Gambling Training Summit is a continuum of the blueprint that the California Office on Problem Gambling (OPG) uses in building prevention and treatment services for problem gambling behavior. The goals of the summit are to expand prevention and treatment knowledge to service providers; include information related to cultural and linguistic appropriate services; provide a better understanding of California’s unique gambling industry; and deliver California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program (CPGTSP) outreach tools.1
California Problem Gambling Awareness Week & OPG Summit
Besides OPG and CCPG, who else is involved?
Many of the non-profit organizations who work with problem gamblers or their families get involved during PGAW. To see some of their recent contributions, please click on a year below: