National Council on Problem Gambling

About

The national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families

Story

Purpose: To serve as the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families.

Vision: To improve health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling.

Mission: To lead state and national stakeholders in the development of comprehensive policy and programs for all those affected by problem gambling.

The National Council is neither for nor against legalized gambling. Our primary concern is to help problem gamblers and their families.

The NCPG was conceived as the national representative of the problem gambling field and is organized with three classes of members: state affiliate, corporate and individual. The NCPG concentrates efforts on the national level, while the state affiliates work at the state and local level.

Major National Council programs include:

National Problem Gambling Helpline Network: Call or Text 1-800-522-4700. Chat: www.ncpgambling.org/chat.. A single national access point to local resources, available 24/7/35, free to all.

National Conference on Problem Gambling. The world’s oldest and largest problem gambling-specific conference.

Administration of the International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC) credential.

Distribution of information on problem gambling treatment, research and recovery.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month, held annually in March. Goals: To increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment & recovery services.To encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.

Providing education on problem gambling issues to Federal, state, tribal and international governments and agencies.

History: The organization was founded in 1972 by Msgr. Joseph A. Dunne and Dr. Robert Custer, among others. From the outset the Council established two principles that remain in effect today: that the organization would be the advocate for problem gamblers and their families, and that it would take no position for or against legalized gambling. This stance is encompassed today in our vision and mission statements above.

To join as a member or to support NCPG with a tax-deductible contribution,visit www.ncpgambling.org/membership to view our Membership Types and Benefits.

Mission

To increase public awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and programs for prevention and education

Products

National Problem Gambling Helpline: 800.522.4700