The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers, is providing free educational materials during the 11th Annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW), March 3-9.

This year’s theme, "Problem Gambling: A New Understanding of a Community Concern," is a grassroots campaign geared to educate the general public and healthcare professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available locally and nationally.

In Missouri, problem gamblers and their loved ones can call the toll-free problem gambling help line, 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), 24 hours a day, seven days per week, a service sponsored by Provident, Inc. in St. Louis.

"In addition to calling Missouri’s help line, people can also email gamblingcounselor@providentstl.org to request a list of counselors nearest to the concerned party’s county," explained Heather Barnett, clinical specialist at Provident, Inc. On a national level, NCPG offers free public service announcements, flyers, brochures and other materials on their website, http://www.npgaw.org/.

NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte noted that out of the millions of Americans experiencing a gambling problem each year, only a small percentage seeks help.

"Our mission is to increase awareness of pathological gambling, ensure widespread availability of treatment and to encourage research for prevention and education," Whyte began. "Recovery is possible, but problem gamblers or their loved ones must take the first step, which is seeking help from trained professionals. Callers all over the country can call the National Problem Gambling Help Line Network at 1-800-522-4700."

Questions or concerns about problem gambling or NCPG can be directed to (202) 547-9204 or ncpg@ncpgambling.org.