Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.

National Problem Gambling Awareness

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX

Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime. is the theme for the next National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW) March 4-10, 2012. This is the 10th annual grassroots campaign, sponsored by the National Council on Problem Gambling, to educate the public about the warning signs of problem gambling and the resources available for treatment.

The "Anyone. Anywhere. Anytime." theme reflects the important message that anyone can suffer from gambling problems," said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling in Washington, D.C. "No gambler is immune, and unfortunately, it is truly an equal opportunity issue."

Gambling is often thought of as an invisible addiction because its outward signs may not be readily observable. Yet it is estimated that there are 6-8 million Americans who are compulsive gamblers, and each of them affects the lives of many others; family, friends, employers, community.

Many recent stories illustrate the negative consequences that can stem from gambling problems. In each case, the illegal activity took place in order to provide money to fuel gambling addictions.

A nun was accused of embezzling money from a college

A former college quarterback committed a sports ticket fraud scheme

A mother gambled away donations received to treat her son's cancer

A former college president lied to school trustees to tap into bonus funds

A federal judge was impeached for corruption

A pastor stole hundreds of thousand dollars from his church

A package delivery driver was accused of stealing 70 computers and selling them to cover a gambling debt

A former symphony orchestra manager was accused of embezzling $190,000 from the orchestra.

These are just the stories that made the newspapers. Many additional problem gamblers and their families suffer in silence. But there is hope and help available. There are treatment centers, individual therapists, Gamblers Anonymous meetings and more. Gambling addiction can be treated effectively, and people can move on to productive lives. If you or a loved one has a gambling problem call the National Helpline at 800-522-4700 or contact your state Council on Problem/Compulsive Gambling.

For more information about NPGAW, please visit www.npgaw.org .

SOURCE National Council on Problem Gambling