Each year the National Council on Problem Gambling honors individuals and organizations for their work on problem gambling and responsible gambling issues. The process is overseen by the NCPG Awards Committee. Please note the the NCPG Awards have undergone many changes over the past four decades, so the current criteria do not necessarily apply to previous awards.
For information on the most recent and past Awards Recipients and other Awards History, click here.
2021 Awards Nominations will open for submissions on May 17.
Important Information:
– You must have an active (current) NCPG Membership in order to submit a nomination.
– 2021 Awards are for work that was completed or activities that occurred between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
– All nominations and accompanying materials must be submitted online.
– Please carefully follow the criteria outlined below for each award. Any nomination that does not meet criteria, is incomplete, or is received after due date for nominations will not be considered.
– Award winners are selected based on the merits of the nomination materials. It is extremely important that submission(s) for nomination(s) be complete. Since Members of the awards committee may not be familiar with a nominee, it is vital that nomination materials provide adequate information regarding the justification for the award. This information should include specific examples, verification of facts, letters of support, and any other items necessary to make your case. A poorly crafted or incomplete nomination may result in another candidate receiving the award.
– The Awards Committee reserves the right to solicit additional information regarding nominees at any time.
steps to submit a nomination
Step One: Familiarize yourself with the criteria for the award you are interested in.
Step Two: Gather all necessary documentation and have it ready to upload.
Step Three: Know your NCPG Membership Expiration Date.
Judging: NCPG’s Committees, made up of Members and volunteers from across the country, are active participants in the National Awards process.
-The Awards Committee oversees the Lifetime Awards and the selection process for the Annual Awards for Direct Service and Advocacy, as well as for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award.
-The Research Committee conducts the Research, Dissertation, and Master’s Thesis Awards.
-The Communications Committee conducts the selection of the various communications awards, as well as the Holiday Lottery Responsible Gambling Campaign.
-The Prevention Committee oversees the selection of the Prevention Awards.
submission deadline for 2021 awards is June 14
AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS AND CRITERIA
Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Award for Advocacy
Given in recognition of career dedication 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.
Criteria:
Nomination is limited to individuals who have previously won the Don Hulen Annual Award for Advocacy.
The individual nominee must have a minimum of twenty (20) years of documented advocacy on behalf of problem gamblers and their families. The NCPG Awards Committee may, under very rare and exceptional circumstances, recommend exceptions to this requirement.
Has the nominee demonstrated exemplary work in support of the goals and objectives of the NCPG and/or its affiliates?
The individual nominee’s twenty years of advocacy must be verified by three or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling. A minimum of one of the three or more letters of recommendation and verification must be received from a member of the NCPG Board of Directors.
The individual nominee selected by the Awards Committee must receive the support by electronic ballot of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all Board of Directors. A maximum of one Monsignor Dunne Award winner shall be awarded in any given year.
The individual selected for the Monsignor Joseph Dunne Lifetime Award for Advocacy will be invited to make a special presentation at the next NCPG Annual Conference. This presentation is designed to further honor and highlight the lifetime contribution of the award recipient.
Dr. Robert Custer Lifetime Award for Direct Service
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.
Criteria:
Nomination is limited to individuals who have previously won the Joanna Franklin Annual Award for Direct Service.
The individual nominee(s) must have a minimum of twenty (20) years of documented work that has directly impacted problem gamblers and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, counseling, helpline, crisis management, case management, and financial management. The NCPG Awards Committee may, under very rare and exceptional circumstances, recommend exceptions to the length of service requirement for this award.
The individual nominee(s) must have demonstrated exemplary work in support of the goals and objectives of the NCPG and/or its affiliates.
The individual nominee’s twenty years of treatment work must be verified by three or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling. A minimum of one of the three or more letters of recommendation and verification must be received from a member of the NCPG Board of directors.
The individual nominee selected by the Awards Committee must receive the support by electronic ballot of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all Board of Directors. A maximum of one Dr. Robert Custer Award for Service winner shall be awarded in any given year.
The individual selected for the Dr. Robert Custer Award for Service will be invited to make a special presentation at the next NCPG Annual Conference of his/her choice. This presentation is designed to further honor and highlight the lifetime contribution of the Dr. Robert Custer Award for Service recipient.
Lifetime Research Award
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.
Criteria:
Nomination is limited to individuals who have previously won the Annual Research Award.
The individual nominee(s) must have a minimum of twenty (20) years of documented research leading to increased understanding of problem gambling. The NCPG Awards Committee may, under very rare and exceptional circumstances, recommend exceptions to the length of service requirement for this award.
The individual nominee(s) must have demonstrated exemplary work in support of the goals and objectives of the NCPG and/or its affiliates.
The individual nominee’s twenty years of research work must be verified by three of more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling. A minimum of one of the three or more letters of recommendation and verification must be received from a member of the NCPG Board of directors.
The Awards Committee will verify that candidate/candidates meet required criteria and forward the nominations to the Research Subcommittee.
The Research Subcommittee will review the nominations and recommend a recipient to the Awards Committee.
The Awards Committee will send their recommendation to the NCPG Board of Directors for their vote and approval.
The individual nominee selected by the Awards Committee must receive the support by electronic ballot of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all Board of Directors. A maximum of one Lifetime Research Award shall be awarded to one individual on any given year.
The individual selected for the Lifetime Research Award will be invited to make a special presentation at the next NCPG Annual Conference. This presentation is designed to further honor and highlight the lifetime contribution of the award recipient.
Don Hulen Annual Award for Advocacy
Given annually to recognize 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.
Criteria:
At least one year of documented advocacy work that has directly impacted problem gamblers and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness.
The individual nominee’s advocacy work must be verified by one or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling.
Joanna Franklin Annual Award for Direct Service
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.
Criteria:
At least one year of documented treatment work that has directly impacted problem gamblers and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, counseling, counselor training, helpline, crisis management, case management, and financial management.
The individual nominee’s treatment work must be verified by one or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling.
Jim Wuelfing Annual Award for Prevention
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.
Criteria:
The nominee’s prevention work must be verified by one letter of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her impact on problem gambling.
Nominees must meet at least one of the following:
Consistent advocating for the inclusion of prevention in the full continuum of problem gambling services.
Development of effective prevention of problem gambling programming.
Integration of prevention research into prevention of problem gambling efforts.
Emphasis on reaching out to high risk groups and underserved populations.
The nominee collaborates with others to advance problem gambling prevention efforts.
Adding to the body of knowledge of prevention of problem gambling through research and publications.
Adding to the professional development of others through training and curriculum development.
Jeffrey M. Beck Recovery Ambassador Award
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.
Criteria:
At least one year in recovery with supporting documentation.
At least one year of documented work with NCPG that has directly impacted problem gamblers and their families. This includes, but is not limited to, advocacy, research, training, or the promotion of public awareness.
The individual nominee’s experience must be verified by one or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling.
Annual Research Award
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.
Criteria:
At least one article published in a peer-reviewed journal within the past year on problem gambling issues.
The individual nominee’s research work must be verified by one or more letters of recommendation that specifically delineate the nominee’s competency, length of service, dedication, and his/her local, regional or national impact on problem gambling.
Outstanding Master’s Thesis 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.
Criteria:
Nominee’s curriculum vitae.
The nominee’s work must be verified by two letters of support from members of the student’s thesis review committee.
A Maximum 10-page executive summary of the research inclusive of the following sections: 1) 250-word abstract, 2) summary of background introduction. 3) statement of hypotheses/purpose of research, 4) description of population, study procedures, data analysis methodology, 5) results and discussion.
One copy of the complete thesis or dissertation should also be included.
Dr. Durand Jacobs Dissertation Award
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 and pathological gambling behavior.
Criteria:
Nominee’s curriculum vitae
The nominee’s work must be verified by two letters of support from members of the student’s dissertation review committee.
A Maximum 10-page executive summary of the research inclusive of the following sections: 1) 250-word abstract, 2) summary of background introduction. 3) statement of hypotheses/purpose of research, 4) description of population, study procedures, data analysis methodology, 5) results and discussion.
One copy of the complete thesis or dissertation should also be included.
Service Award
An award given in recognition of extraordinary Volunteer Contributions to the NCPG over the course of the past year by an NCPG Member.
Criteria:
Documentation of the contributions made by the nominee.
Current members of the NCPG Board of Directors are not eligible for this award.
Media Award
Outstanding news reporting by a News Organization in any communications channel that has best covered problem/pathological gambling issues.
Criteria:
Reporting must increase public knowledge of problem/pathological gambling.
Name and date of the media source and article must accompany all nominations.
The report must be original and not a reprint/rebroadcast of previous article.
A copy of an article appearing in print must accompany the nomination along with the date and place where the article was published. Broadcast reporting should be accompanied by a link to a web site containing the story. If the article or broadcast is not in English, a translation or detailed English-language summary should be provided.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national reports shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Holiday Responsible Gaming Campaign Award
For the best material prepared by a Lottery in support of the NCPG Holiday Campaign.
Criteria:
Submit an electronic version of the printed piece (or photo in the case of a billboard or other large medium). If the nomination is for a TV or radio ad, include a link to an online version of the ad or upload a file.
Limit one submission per organization.
Eligible materials include materials in any medium (print, web, radio, TV) specifically developed to promote responsible purchase of lottery products during the holiday season.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national campaigns shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Corporate Social Responsibility 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.
Criteria:
Organizations must provide information on their groundbreaking legislation, funding, research, organization, etc in their state.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national reports shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Affiliate Public Awareness Award
Outstanding public awareness campaign in the past year via any communications channel.
Criteria:
Submit a link to the campaign or upload if feasible.
The nomination must include the name of the sponsor of the message, the advertising agency or other creative consultant responsible for content and production (if any), and the date the message first aired.
The campaign must be original and not a reprint/rebroadcast of work prior to 2019.
Campaign must show increased public awareness of problem/pathological gambling.
If the campaign is not in English, a translation or detailed English-language summary should be provided.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national campaigns shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and reach.
Documentation of the reach of the message is encouraged but not required.
Corporate Public Awareness Award
Outstanding public awareness campaign in the past year via any communications channel.
Criteria:
Submit a link to the campaign or upload if feasible.
The nomination must include the name of the sponsor of the message, the advertising agency or other creative consultant responsible for content and production (if any), and the date the message first aired.
The campaign must be original and not a reprint/rebroadcast of work prior to 2019.
Campaign must show increased public awareness of problem/pathological gambling.
If the campaign is not in English, a translation or detailed English-language summary should be provided.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national campaigns shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and reach.
Documentation of the reach of the message is encouraged but not required.
Affiliate Website Award
Outstanding website that has best raised public awareness of problem/pathological gambling.
Criteria:
Nominations must identify the owner of the website and include a link to the website.
Nominees will be judged based on the breadth of impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Corporate Website Award
Outstanding website that has best raised public awareness of problem/pathological gambling.
Criteria:
Nominations must identify the owner of the website and include a link to the website.
Nominees will be judged based on the breadth of impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Affiliate Multi-Cultural Communications Award
Most effective multi-cultural outreach program using integrated communication channels.
Criteria:
Nominations should include detailed description of the program.
Nominees will be judged based on innovation, ability to reach multi-cultural gamblers and their families and breadth of impact. Results should be included wherever possible and can include # of calls, website hits, media weights, click through rates, media hits and the like. Supporting research statistics should also be included if available.
Corporate Multi-Cultural Communications Award
Most effective multi-cultural outreach program using integrated communication channels.
Criteria:
Nominations should include detailed description of the program.
Nominees will be judged based on innovation, ability to reach multi-cultural gamblers and their families and breadth of impact. Results should be included wherever possible and can include # of calls, website hits, media weights, click through rates, media hits and the like. Supporting research statistics should also be included if available.
Affiliate Newsletter Award
An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter issue in the past year.
Criteria:
Submit an electronic version of the newsletter along with identification of the organization producing the newsletter and information about distribution and readership.
Corporate Newsletter Award
An award for an outstanding problem gambling-related newsletter issue in the past year.
Criteria:
Submit an electronic version of the newsletter along with identification of the organization producing the newsletter and information about distribution and readership.
Affiliate People's Choice Award
The most popular PRINT public awareness message of 2020.
Criteria:
Submit an electronic version of the original printed piece (or photo in the case of a billboard or other large medium).
A hard copy (no larger than 11”x17”) of the piece or photo must ALSO be shipped to: NCPG Awards 730 11th St. NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20001.
Limit one submission per organization.
Eligible materials include any problem gambling/responsible gaming public service or paid advertising that was printed on a poster, flyer, newspaper, magazine, billboard, or other medium.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national messages shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
Corporate People’s Choice Award
The most popular PRINT public awareness message of 2020.
Criteria:
Submit an electronic version of the original printed piece (or photo in the case of a billboard or other large medium).
A hard copy (no larger than 11”x17”) of the piece or photo must ALSO be shipped to: NCPG Awards 730 11th St. NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20001
Limit one submission per organization.
Eligible materials include any problem gambling/responsible gaming public service or paid advertising that was printed on a poster, flyer, newspaper, magazine, billboard, or other medium.
Recipients will be judged based on the breadth of impact. Local, regional or national messages shall be given equal weight and shall be judged based on impact, quality, and ability to reach gamblers and their families.
