Vision
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling will be the go-to organization of choice for problem gambling and gaming issues in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Mission
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling will increase awareness of problem gambling through securing funding to promote prevention and research, and advocate for the availability of treatment.
The KYCPG is governed by a representative Board pursuing leadership and partnerships to achieve the mission and the results in addressing problem gambling in Kentucky. KYCPG will serve as a contract conduit for channeling of funds to address problem gambling.
Goal 1
KYCPG will promote treatment and training expansion to better serve the citizens of Kentucky living with problem and disordered gambling.
Objectives
- To become a center of excellence in gambling training for treatment professionals by June 2030.
- To contract with a minimum of three entities that produce counseling tools that enhance the counseling experience by June 2027.
- To develop a peer recovery network of 30 certified peer support by June 2028.
- To establish a clearing house of research, academic, and trade tools and resources by June 2027.
- To establish a residential treatment program and regional outpatient treatment programs in Kentucky by June 2028.
- To increase certified gambling counselors by 300 percent by June 2028.
Goal 2
Develop a competitive prevention and harm reduction program to address at-risk and/or persons with problem/disordered gambling issues.
Objectives
- Create a prevention and awareness campaign to educate Kentucky on Problem Gambling/Disordered Gambling and how to seek help/treatment.
- Partner with each Regional Prevention Center to create prevention programs in schools, relevant to age groups (e.g., primary, high, and college).
Goal 3
Advocate for services for problem and disordered gamblers and their families.
Objectives
- Advocate for an increase in access to comprehensive treatment and support services for problem and disordered gamblers and their families in Kentucky.
- To secure commitments for stakeholders or the community to offer specialized services in therapy and peer support.
Continuing Programs, Services, and Products
1-800-GAMBLER Helpline (1-800-426-2537)
Phone, text and chat services available 24/7, toll-free, confidential telephone counseling and referrals. An average of more than one call or text per day is received and provided information on problem gambling or referral to Gamblers Anonymous or a certified gambler counselor.
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month
- Held in March annually in partnership with the Kentucky Lottery Corporation.
- Statewide media advisories and outreach activities.
- Public service announcements.
- Awareness presentations.
Education and Counselor Preparation
- Annual Educational and Awareness Conference on Problem Gambling Issues. Held annually in March. Includes 10+
hours continuing education credits applicable to certified gambler counselor requirements. - MidCentral Alliance on Problem Gambling Fall Conference. Held annually among eight state councils on problem gambling,
of which KYCPG was a founding member; includes 6+ hours continuing education credits. - Certified Gambler Counselor training conducted as needed to promote an increase in statewide availability of professional counseling services for problem gamblers.
- kycpg.org, a website providing information and resources on problem and addicted gambling in Kentucky.
An Awareness Website
Provide basic information on Problem Gambling and referral resources, kygamblinghelp.org. Chat services are accessed through this site.
Choices — There’s Always a Right One!
Middle and high school addiction awareness curriculum includes segment on problem gambling; complimentary on request. Since its introduction, the lifetime rate of gambling among high school seniors has decreased from 49.4 percent in 2006 to 26.6 percent in 2018.
Awareness Outreach
- Assorted posters, brochures, rack cards and booklets.
- Advocacy before the Kentucky General Assembly on issues related to problem and addicted gambling.
- Presentations and exhibits at various behavioral health, counseling, and public-awareness events.
- Membership in the Kentucky Mental Health Coalition and the Kentucky Coalition for Healthy Children.
- Collaborative outreach with Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities; other government agencies; and associations.
Research
- Gambling in Kentucky, a prevalence study showing 9,000 addicted gamblers, 51,000 problem gamblers and 190,000 at-risk of
developing a gambling problem. - Challenge for Kentucky, a guideline for establishing a counseling treatment program for addicted gamblers.
Adopted by KYCPG Executive Board, August 2025