NNGE Boosts Awareness for Problem Gambling Month

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is stepping up to educate and support communities across the Navajo Nation. 

“Problem Gaming Can Develop in Anyone” 

“For most individuals, gaming is a social or recreational activity that is fun and entertaining. For others, gaming can cause problems that adversely impact an individual’s life,” argued NNGE board chairman Quincy Natay. 

“Being able to refer those struggling with gambling addiction to the proper resources who are trained to help is the right thing to do,” Natay added.

With contributions exceeding $3.4 million, NNGE is funding programs for responsible gambling, prevention, treatment, and wellness, while unclaimed jackpots also go to nonprofit organizations in New Mexico and Arizona.

What the Funding Covers

NNGE’s efforts cover all properties, including mandatory employee training, visible helpline messaging, oversight by an NNGE committee, and periodic program evaluations.

Funds support public awareness, expand treatment and prevention services, and provide guidance for vulnerable youth and families. Through media campaigns and in-property messaging, NNGE helps ensure staff and patrons know where to find help.

“Problem gaming can develop in anyone and does not discriminate based on gender, age, social, ethnic or economic groups,” Natay further explained. 

“If you are concerned about your own gaming or the gaming of someone you care about, please contact The New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling for assistance”, the chairman added.

This initiative highlights NNGE’s commitment to responsible gaming and the well-being of its community.

“Caring Communities, Stronger Futures”

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a yearly grassroots campaign held nationwide in the month of March that “seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”

According to the National Council of Problem Gambling, this year’s theme is “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” aimed to throw the focus on the significance of a “community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support.”

The council explains that communities made of “friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers” that decide to come together manage to replace silence with support and isolation with connection. 
NCPG has also worked together with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction to create a free Gambling Disorder Screening Day Toolkit.