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Each year the National Council on Problem Gambling honors individuals and organizations from across the US and the world for their work on problem gambling and responsible gambling with our National Awards, including both Lifetime Awards and Annual Awards.
The NCPG Awards have undergone many changes since they began and the current criteria do not necessarily apply to previous awards. The list below contains the most complete awards information available.
Please visit the NATIONAL AWARDS page for the timeline and criteria for the most current National Awards nomination period.
Given to honor a person for exceptional long-standing achievement in the direct provision of services to problem gamblers and their families. Direct service is defined as prevention, direct awareness outreach, treatment/counseling, helpline work, and other related activities. Named after the problem gambling pioneer Dr. Robert Custer, the Custer Award for Service is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances, to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of service on behalf of problem gamblers.
Given in recognition of a career dedicated to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness. Named after NCPG founder Monsignor Joseph Dunne, the Lifetime Award for Advocacy is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of advocacy on behalf of problem gamblers. Formerly the Herman Goldman Foundation Award for Advocacy.
Given to honor a person for exceptional long-standing achievement in the field of research to assist problem gamblers and their families. Research is defined as the deliberate scientific study which fosters assistance to problem gamblers, families, and the prevention of problem gambling. This award for research is only bestowed in exceptional times and circumstances, to individuals who exemplify at least twenty years of treatment on behalf of problem gamblers.
Given annually to recognize the dedication to improving the lives of problem gamblers and their families through advocacy, training, or the promotion of public awareness. Named after Don Hulen, Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling founder and longtime NCPG Board member, few could match his dedication to helping problem gamblers.
Given annually to recognize achievement in the direct provision of services to problem gamblers and their families, this award is named after Joanna Franklin, outstanding counselor, trainer and advocate who helped found the NCGC credential and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Direct services are defined as prevention, training, direct awareness outreach, treatment/counseling, helpline work, and other related activities.
Outstanding annual achievement in advocacy, development, integration, outreach, research or training in the area of prevention of problem gambling. This award is named for Jim Wuelfing, well known national trainer and evangelist in problem gambling prevention.
Given annually to recognize a person in recovery who is active with NCPG and offers their personal experience with addiction and recovery to the problem gambling and/or responsible gaming fields in the same spirit that Jeff did – with warmth, professional expertise and an open heart, serving as a resource in pursuit of better outcomes for all concerned. He was an esteemed colleague, well-known as an inspirational leader in the problem gambling field. He was also a friend and mentor to many here at NCPG.
An award is given to an individual in the gambling industry who has done exceptional work in responsible gambling over the past year. The award is named in honor of Don Feeney who is a pioneer in taking down the wall between the industry and those in the treatment and advocacy arena.
An award is given to an individual, agency, or non-profit for outreach at the grassroots level in marginalized communities or in communities of color. This award is to be given in memory of Denise Phillips an early advocate of community outreach, a direct service provider of gambling treatment, and a strong NCPG supporter.
The best original peer-reviewed research article on problem and pathological gambling published within the past year. The research must contribute substantially to the understanding of this disorder. The criteria include the impact, quality and relevance to gamblers and their families.
For the outstanding graduate doctoral dissertation award in the area of problem gambling. This award is dedicated to Dr. Durand Jacobs’ lifelong commitment to the mentoring of students and will be presented annually to a student who has successfully completed a Doctoral Dissertation that merits special recognition. The recipient shall have completed a research study that has the potential to contribute to our scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of problem gambling behavior. Formerly the Outstanding Dissertation Award.
For the outstanding graduate master’s thesis in the area of problem gambling. The award will be presented annually to an individual who has successfully completed a master’s Thesis that merits special recognition. The recipient shall have completed a research study that has the potential to contribute to our scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of problem and pathological gambling behavior.
An award given in recognition of extraordinary Volunteer Contributions to the NCPG over the course of the past year by an NCPG Member.
Enrique Zuniga – 2021
Outstanding news reporting by a News Organization in any communications channel that has best-covered problem gambling. Formerly the Annual Reporting Award.
For the best material prepared by a Lottery in support of the NCPG Holiday Responsible Gambling Campaign. Formerly the Holiday Responsible Gambling Campaign Award.
An award given to an organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to social responsibility as it relates to problem gambling in the past year.
Outstanding public awareness campaign by an NCPG Affiliate in the past year via any communications channel.
Outstanding public awareness campaign in the past year via any communications channel.
An outstanding website by an NCPG Affiliate that has best raised public awareness of problem gambling.
An outstanding website that has best raised public awareness of problem gambling.
Most effective multi-cultural outreach program by an NCPG Affiliate using integrated communication channels.
Most effective multi-cultural outreach program using integrated communication channels.
An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter by an NCPG Affiliate in the past year.
An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter in the past year.
The most popular print public awareness message by an NCPG Affiliate in the last year.
The most popular print public awareness message in the past year.
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