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State of Play’s TL;DR
- California has launched a statewide problem gambling awareness campaign.
- It’s aimed at connecting residents with confidential, no-cost help through 1-800-GAMBLER and 800gambler.chat.
California has launched a statewide public awareness campaign aimed at helping residents recognize problem gambling and find confidential, no-cost support.
The effort will run through July 2029. It comes with state figures showing nearly half a million California adults reported symptoms of problem gambling.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced the responsible gambling campaign, titled “The Odds Don’t Have to Stay Against You,” on Sept. 17.
California says campaign will focus on early recognition and support
According to CDPH, the campaign is designed to help people identify signs of problem gambling and connect with treatment services. The state said Californians can access confidential, no-cost help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting 800gambler.chat.
CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said:
“Problem gambling can quietly – and powerfully – affect the health and stability of individuals, families and communities.”
She added that the campaign is meant to give Californians “a clear, compassionate path to support.” It also encourages people to seek help early.
The Office of Problem Gambling said the broader effort supports culturally and linguistically informed prevention, education, and treatment services statewide. Content will be offered in multiple languages.
State data and media rollout show a long-term public health push
The release says roughly a quarter of California adults gambled at some point during the year, while nearly half a million reported symptoms of problem gambling. CDPH also said adults who reported gambling were more likely to smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes, binge drink, and use other substances including non-physician-directed prescription drugs or illegal drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin.
The campaign is scheduled to continue through July 2029. CDPH said it will run across broadcast radio, digital display, social media, influencers, search, and targeted out-of-home placements near casinos and other high-traffic areas.
State officials said the campaign was informed by literature reviews, expert and stakeholder interviews, prior media campaign assessment, a statewide survey of nearly 1,400 respondents, and nine focus groups involving more than 50 participants.
Based on reporting by the California Department of Public Health.
