The Connecticut Committee for Gambling Awareness was formed in 1999, as a vehicle to better inform the public on the social and economic ills and benefits of gambling in the state of Connecticut.  Our common objectives and goals are shared by the following entities:  Autotote Enterprises, Inc., Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Connecticut Lottery Corporation, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun and Shoreline Star Greyhound Park.  Through funding by Connecticut’s gambling industry, and with the expertise of regulatory and problem gambling professionals we are able to provide information on all aspects of gambling.

Gambling is illegal in Connecticut unless the law specifically allows it.  The Division of Special Revenue regulates all legal gambling in the state.  Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities are responsible for enforcing the laws pertaining to illegal gambling.  Residents of Connecticut can enjoy a number of legal gambling activities which include:  off track betting, various lottery games, casinos operated by Native American Tribes and games operated by charitable organizations.

The Committee supports activities and services that advance its mission of enhancing awareness of gambling in Connecticut.

Projects include activities at gambling venues in support of National Problem Gambling Awareness Week annually since 2000.  These activities include posters, signage, newsletter articles, and various in-house efforts to raise awareness among employees and customers.  Representation of all member organization participated in community educational forums in 2004 and 2005. 

On October 6, 2005, the Connecticut Committee for Gambling Awareness held its first annual golf tournament.  The tournament was held at Lake of Isles Golf Course in North Stonington, CT., and sponsored in part by the Mohegan Sun Casino, Foxwoods Resort and Casino, Connecticut Lottery Corporation and Autotote Enterprises, Inc.   Proceeds benefited various addiction service programs.  For additional information contact Christopher Armentano at (860) 344-2244.

Creation of “Taking a Second Look”: a problem gambling awareness video and educational materials for employee training at Connecticut’s pari-mutuel facilities. The program assists employees in identifying pari-mutuel patrons in need of customer assistance because of gambling related concerns.  The core of the training is a video featuring dramatic portrayals of six customer situations and employee responses.  The six scenarios, developed by staff at the Mohegan Sun Racebook, Sports Haven and Shoreline Star Greyhound Park, were used in training classes at Connecticut’s pari-mutuel facilities to trigger discussion on problem gambling and how to respond to customers.

The Committee developed and distributed pamphlets and pocket cards to police departments across Connecticut.  The pamphlets were designed to raise awareness of problem gambling among law enforcement officers and the general public.  Pocket cards containing the telephone number of the Problem Gambling Helpline were developed for distribution by officers to individuals suspected of being impacted by a gambling problem.  In addition committee members presented a three-hour workshop on problem gambling to law enforcement officials at the Connecticut State Police Academy Training Center.

On behalf of the Committee the Problem Gambling Agency Member modified and distributed the Missouri program “Beat Addiction: Choose the Right Path”, a single session prevention curriculum for use in middle and high schools.  The program uses an effective video presentation to trigger small group discussion on addiction, including gambling addiction.  The curriculum is the first to present problem gambling and substance abuse information in the same program.  The Curriculum has been distributed statewide to schools, youth groups and other youth serving organizations.