The New Mexico Lottery and the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling
will continue to work together to provide compulsive gaming rehabilitation services statewide.
Under a one-year contract extension signed today, the lottery will pay the council
$81,000 to support a toll-free gambling-specific crisis helpline staffed by trained
personnel.
The crisis helpline telephone number is 1-800-572-1142. It is accessible to
the public from anywhere in New Mexico 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Callers may remain anonymous if they prefer. Services are provided in English
and Spanish.
“With the lottery’s support, the crisis helpline staff stands ready around the clock
to provide problem gamblers and their families with counseling and crisis intervention
as well as referrals to Gamblers Anonymous meetings and consumer debt counseling,”
said Kandace Blanchard, the council’s clinical executive director.
In addition to funding the helpline, the lottery features the toll-free number in
its “play responsibly” messages appearing on tickets, marketing materials, and print
and TV ads.
“We have an obligation to promote lottery games in a responsible manner and to make
it as easy as possible for people to find help if they have a gambling addiction
of any kind,” said Lottery CEO Tom Romero.
The contract, signed in April 2004, provided the lottery with an option to renew
for three additional one-year extensions. This latest contract extension expires
in March 2008.
Information about problem gambling and rehabilitation services is available at the
New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling website at www.nmcpg.org.
