EPIC supports Problem Gambling Advocacy Day
Today’s Problem Gambling Advocacy Day will see a US-wide collective promoting awareness of the issue among the nation’s lawmakers, with EPIC adding our voice in support of efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms.
Coordinated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, individuals, organisations, and advocates are today addressing legislators at Capitol Hill and other key locations, so that Members of Congress can better understand the issue of gambling disorder.
Advocacy Day is an important opportunity to encourage all stakeholders to consider how they can support raising awareness in general and among those known to be at increased risk for developing gambling-related harms. This includes ensuring that both preventative and treatment solutions are available across the US, with EPIC’s education, consultancy and training provision helping to proactively raise awareness of potential issues before they occur.
EPIC’s VP of partnerships Teresa Fiore – who has previously served as programme manager of research and responsible gaming at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission – acknowledges today as an important day in the calendar for those looking to meaningfully address gambling-related harms.
“Just like alcohol and drugs, gambling is something that carries addiction potential, and, despite this, awareness of that risk is much lower than it is for substance-related disorders,” she explained.
“A collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders is required to effectively address gambling-related harms. EPIC commends the work of those individuals and organisations who have long advocated in this space, especially those providing vital treatment and support to those who need it most.”
Resources are available for individuals and loved ones who want to prevent or address gambling-related harm, and Advocacy Day can serve to connect them to prevention and treatment options near them. The NCPG website contains links to national and state-specific support resources – those needing to address potential issues around gambling-related harm are advised to visit ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/ for further details.
More details around the range of education, training, and consultancy services provided by EPIC are available throughout our website.
