New York Council on Problem Gambling, New York Lottery Team up to Encourage New Yorkers to Give Responsibly

SCHENECTADY, NY (11/26/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) today announced its partnership with the New York Lottery to encourage New York's lottery playing public to Give Responsibly this holiday season.

New York Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director James Maney said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the New York Lottery and commend them for their efforts to remind New Yorkers that it is important to be responsible for the holiday season, as well as all year round".

New York Lottery Director Robert Williams said, "In keeping with the Lottery's Play Responsibly message displayed prominently year-round at our more than 17,000 licensed Lottery retailers statewide, it's very fitting that we should join our colleagues at NYCPG in asking New York Lottery players to Give Responsibly this holiday season. We know from experience that the vast majority of Lottery players stick to a strict budget when it comes to buying Lottery tickets. With that in mind, we encourage all of our players to budget ahead for their holiday Lottery purchases just as they would for any other gift on their list."

The New York Lottery and the New York Council on Problem Gambling work collaboratively year-round to discourage those under 18 from buying Lottery tickets and increase public awareness about available support services for the treatment of problem gambling. To that end, the Lottery posts 18+ signage and the 1-877-HOPENY addictions referral hotline at all of its 17,000 licensed New York Lottery retail locations as well as its nine Video Gaming casinos statewide.

The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling. The Council maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of Directors.

The New York Lottery was enacted into the New York State Constitution by voters as a result of a ballot initiative in 1966. The Lottery contributed nearly $2.9 billion to help support education in New York State in fiscal year 2011-12 which is nearly 15 percent of total state education funding to local school districts. It continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, earning over $45.4 billion in education support statewide since its founding nearly 45 years ago.

For more information contact:

New York Council on Problem Gambling at 518-867-4084 or council@nyproblemgambling.org.

New York Lottery at (518) 388-3415 or questions@lottery.ny.gov.

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