What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

Our Purpose and Mission:

The Mission of the National Council on Problem Gambling is 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.

Guide For Users:

Go to the Problem Gamblers section for information and referral resources, frequently asked questions, self assessment tools, state by state help, directories of counselors and treatment centers.

Go to the About NCPG for information on the Board of Directors, staff, committees, conferences, programs, goals, annual reports and tax returns.

Go to the Public Awareness section for NCPG press releases, reports, literature, prevention and education tools, as well as first person stories of problem gambling and recovery.

Go to the Counselors section for the National Certified Gambling Counselor application, exam information and an online searchable directory. Questions can be sent to NCGC@ncpgambling.org

Go to the Members section for password-protected access to the current newsletter, membership renewal and contact information. To view NCPG's Privacy Policy, please Click Here.   

Updates:

•   Call for Papers:  the 2012 Program Committee calls on advocates, clinicians, researchers, gaming operators, regulators and recovering gamblers to submit pre-conference workshops, breakout presentations, prevention showcases and posters for the 26th National Conference on Problem Gambling.  The bulk of the sessions address basic and advanced clinical issues. Other topics and areas of interest include:recovery, prevention, gambling policy, legislation and regulation, special populations, ethics and legal issues, public awareness and outreach, financial literacy, family issues, and internet gaming.  Go to www.ncpgambling.org/2012submission for the online form and additional conference information.  Deadline: January 31, 2012.
• Holiday appeal  update Jan. 16: We are very grateful and excited to announce that together, we exceeded the Matching Challenge Fund of $2,136 with contributions of $2,258 for a total of $4,394.
  Thank you for supporting NCPG this holiday season in our fight to provide help and hope to problem gamblers and their families, and to help us help you and all our friends and colleagues in the problem gambling field. Acknowledgements are below for donors as well as gifts made in honor of or in memoriam for a loved one or mentor can be seen can be seen at www.ncpgambling.org/supportus.  It’s not too late to add to the appeal - it's easy to give online at www.ncpgambling.org/donatenow or download a donation form here and mail it in with your check.  
• Lotteries Are Not Child's Play - Give Responsibly This Holiday Season.  Our annual campaign encourages parents and loved ones not to give lottery products as holiday gifts to minors. We welcome other lottery organizations who wish to partner with us in this educational campaign, or who would wish to access our free resources (including press release samples and artwork) to launch their own independent campaigns on this important topic. Your support plays a key role in sending the message that lottery tickets should not be purchased as Holiday gifts for children.  Click here for more information.  Sponsored by the Minnesota Lottery.
• NCPG Testifies at Oct 25, 2011 House Energy & Commerce, Commerce Manufacturing & Trade (CMT) Subcommittee hearing on Internet Gambling!   
• NCPG Announces New Officers. Click Here for more information. 
• Click Here to read statement from NCPG regarding DSM-V 

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