The Arizona Lottery’s purpose is to generate revenue for the public benefit, and our games are designed as an affordable form of entertainment. For the vast majority of our players, that is exactly what they are. For some, however, any form of gambling can be a problem, leading progressively to an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble. Fortunately, there is help and hope for those who think they or someone they care about might have a problem with gambling.
Since 1998, the Arizona Lottery has had a "Please Play Responsibly" program and a formal problem gambling program since 2000. The program includes a toll-free, confidential Helpline for anyone impacted by problem gambling. The Helpline staff is trained to listen compassionately, provide relevant information, and make appropriate referrals for both problem gamblers and their loved ones.
In Sept. 2002, the Lottery assumed administrative oversight of the state-sponsored treatment program. This newly developed network consists of certified problem gambling treatment providers throughout Arizona who offer individual, group, and family counseling for those in need. Additionally, the Lottery commissioned the first statewide problem gambling prevalence study completed in June 2003 to determine the extent and characteristics of problem gambling in Arizona. Its results will be used to help determine the direction of future education, outreach and prevention activities.
In November 2002, Arizona voters approved Proposition 202 (the "Indian Gaming Preservation and Self-Reliance Act”) which contained the provision: “Two percent [of the tribal contributions made to the Arizona Benefits Fund], shall be used by the Department of Gaming to fund state and local programs for the prevention and treatment of, and education concerning, problem gambling.” The Office of Problem Gambling has been established by the Department of Gaming to fulfill this responsibility.
The Lottery and the Department of Gaming collaborate through an inter-agency agreement to consolidate management of all state problem gambling programs within the Office of Problem Gambling (www.problemgambling.az.gov) to ensure continuity of services and a unified effort to address gambling problems.
The Arizona Lottery supports the efforts of the Office of Problem Gambling by contributing financially to treatment and education/outreach programs and by publishing the toll-free number 1-800-NEXT STEP (1-800-639-8783) on all Lottery advertising, publications and point-of-sale materials.
The Office of Problem Gambling offers full information on the following:
