Department requests $500,000 transfer for problem-gambling program as officials track early use and outreach

The Department of Mental Health described a new problem‑gambling (responsible gaming) initiative that department leaders said includes a 24/7 helpline, peer support, media campaigns and clinician training, and requested a $500,000 interdepartmental transfer to continue the work.

Shannon Thompson said the transfer would support the state’s responsible‑gaming activities, and Deputy Commissioner Sweet and other staff described program components: a helpline that connects callers to live persons and referral pathways, social‑media and streaming ad campaigns, gas‑station “popper” ads, and clinical training for therapists to identify and treat problem gambling.

Department staff reported early digital metrics — for example, thousands of impressions on campaign materials and hundreds of hits to the responsible-gaming web page — and framed the initiative as newly established and in early stages of evaluation. Lawmakers and committee members asked whether the program prevents harms and whether outreach can identify people earlier (for example, before bankruptcy) or link to financial‑distress indicators. DMH officials said the program is new and that more outcome data are needed; they offered to bring the Liquor and Lottery and program staff back to provide fuller detail.

The department emphasized that hotline responders provide immediate assistance and can refer callers to groups or individual therapy and other supports; Thompson said referrals and follow-up are part of the hotline model.