News Update from the
Region 5 Problem Gambling Awareness Team
May 2023
Gambling is defined as risking something of value on the outcome of an event when the probability of winning is less than certain.

Problem Gambling or Gambling Disorder is characterized by behavior that leads to adverse consequences for the individual, families,
and society.
A Local Approach to Problem Gambling Prevention
Problem Gambling Awareness Month Highlights:
View the recording of our PGAM webinar featuring Stephen Matos, Earle Sanford, and Elizabeth Genovese of MCCA, the Bettor Choice Provider in Region 5.

Gain a better understanding of how individuals who struggle can get help, and of the supports available for persons affected by another's gambling.
Our local prevention council partners took part in PGAM by displaying a banner featuring the 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline (888-789-7777) and a QR code for our website.

They also shared our March Madness campaign through posters and social media

More LPC highlights:
  • Wolcott CASA held a gambling awareness tabling event during WHS lunch waves
  • Ridgefield Prevention Council did a pizza box sticker campaign featuring the helpline and raised awareness regarding older adults and gambling at their senior center
  • Woodbury Bethlehem Advocates for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) displayed printed materials at their resource center and at local CT lottery retailers
Youth Gambling Awareness Projects!
Youth in Naugatuck, New Milford, and Wolcott participated in the Youth Gambling Awareness Project (YGAP) again this year! On March 22, we celebrated their accomplishments during a Showcase Event.

The Naugatuck group's focus was online casino gaming and they chose to film a video PSA. (view at right)
The Wolcott group created an audio PSA about Loot Boxes and the New Milford Youth Agency (NMYA) recorded a podcast featuirng an interview with Stephen Matos, Peer Counselor with the MCCA Bettor Choice program.

NMYA has their own podcast channel. Check it out here or search for NMYA Media wherever you download podcasts.
To view all the CT YGAP projects click here.

We would like to thank Naugatuck Youth Services, New Milford Youth Agency and Wolcott CASA for their participation and support!

This project is the result of a partnership between DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, the CT Council on Problem Gambling, the Capitol Region Education Council, and the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations. A total of 9 youth groups across the state participated.
Prevention - Mitigating Risks
College Focus
Western CT Coalition, MCCA, and the CT Council on Problem Gambling exhibited at the WCSU Health Fair on April 18. It was the first time we welcomed the new Gambling Awareness Resource Van to the region! We shared resources and give-aways and students participated in a survey to help us better understand gambling behaviors on campus.
We maximized our presence with the Change the Script Van, sharing educational resources and Naloxone trainings.
If you would like to book the Gambling Awareness Van for your event, visit: https://responsibleplayct.org/request-the-resource-van.
To learn more about Change the Script, visit drugfreect.org
Downloadable Fact Sheets:
Gambling and Gaming Awareness Resources
Help Is Available
MCCA is the Bettor Choice Provider in Region 5 offering outpatient and short-term inpatient treatment to those struggling with gambling and their families. Visit their webpage here.

Gamblers Anonymous is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to locate a meeting near you.

Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of those with a gambling disorder. 
About Our Team

The Region 5 Problem Gambling Awareness Team consists of community stakeholders working toward raising awareness around disordered gambling and helping connect those in need to treatment.  

Our partners include DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, The CT Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) and treatment providers MCCA, McCall Center for Behavioral Health, and Apex Community Care.
DMHAS Disordered Gambling Integration Initiative (DiGIn) in Region 5
Our regional partners Apex Community Care and McCall Center for Behavioral Health are working toward increasing the capacity of substance use disorder and mental health treatment/recovery programs to address gambling and problem gambling through enhanced screening, assessment, awareness, intervention, recovery and health promotion strategies.

We are happy to have them on our team!
Please visit the team webpage where you can find out more and download resources to share!

Western CT Coalition is the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization servicing the 43 towns of DMHAS Region 5.

Vist our website
Follow us on Facebook @wctcoalition