Press Releases
The Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona Lottery, and the National Council of Problem Gambling Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”), Division of Problem Gambling (“DPG”), in collaboration with the National Council of Problem Gambling (“NCPG”), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. 2025 marks the 22nd anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The theme of this year’s campaign, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
“Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness and ensuring that those struggling with problem gambling have access to the resources and support they need.”
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5 to 8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.
In fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), Arizona’s Division of Problem Gambling provided 3 trainings for clinical providers and connected 992 people across the state to treatment. In the same period, DPG provided $1.3 million to support treatment of individuals affected by problem gambling. This past fiscal year, DPG continued to work with Arizona stakeholders to implement its self-exclusion program for event wagering & fantasy sports (“EWFS”), which allows those who may struggle with gambling to exclude themselves from these games statewide. DPG self-exclusion staff work with tribal gaming facilities and EWFS operators on a daily basis to update the patron self-exclusion list. In FY2024, this resulted in a total of 519 self-exclusions enrolled, bringing the total in Arizona to 2,230.
Today, DPG hosted the 17th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling in Phoenix, Arizona, with the theme: “Envisioning the Future: A Comprehensive Approach from History to Innovation.”
“Bringing together innovators, leaders, and decision-makers face-to-face is vital to fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG Director. “Our annual DPG Symposium is designed to facilitate discussions, share best practices, and cultivate strategic collaborations. These are key elements in advancing DPG’s mission to provide effective problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs as part of the Department’s broader efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms.”
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Katie Hobbs for once again proclaiming March as Arizona Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director of the Division of Problem Gambling. “We recognize that disparities in access to services and treatment outcomes continue to impact historically underrepresented communities, and we want every Arizonan to know—they are not alone. Through DPG’s free, 24/7 confidential helpline and online resources, individuals across the state can take the first step toward getting the support they need.”
“The Arizona Lottery is dedicated to supporting initiatives that alleviate problem gambling as an addition that can impact individuals from all walks of life,” said Arizona Lottery Executive Director Alec Thomson. “That’s why we remain committed to promoting responsible gaming by increasing awareness of problem gambling, recognizing its warning signs, and ensuring that vital resources are available to those in need.” The Arizona Lottery has contributed $6 million to ADG to support statewide problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, DPG urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling. The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends, or co-workers.
Latest News
Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package is back for summer at the Plaza Hotel & Casino

With summer fast approaching, the Plaza Hotel & Casino is bringing back Las Vegas’ only all-inclusive hotel room package starting June 1 at $125 per person per night.
The Plaza introduced its all-inclusive hotel room package last summer. It was so well received by guests that the iconic downtown Las Vegas property is bringing the all-inclusive offer back and extending it for all of June, July and August.
“At a time when tourists are concerned about increasing costs in Las Vegas, including resort fees and paying to park, we wanted to give our guests a more affordable summer vacation option by again offering our all-inclusive hotel room package,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
The Plaza’ all-inclusive hotel room package waives all resort fees. Guests will enjoy free access to the fitness center, rooftop pool, and self-parking. The package also includes bottomless drinks from the Omaha Bar and Sports Book Bar on the casino floor and breakfast and dinner from various dining outlets.
With free access to the rooftop pool, guests can also enjoy the pool’s new amenities including:
- Smart lockers have been installed in a climate-controlled area leading out to the pool allowing guests to conveniently store their belongings with just their phone for a nominal rental fee.
- New sun loungers that can accommodate two guests have been added poolside and are available for rental that includes towels, an umbrella and dedicated cocktail service.
- Conveniently located next to the pool’s full-service cocktail bar, the Plaza Pool’s Food Truck will also be open all summer long offering light bites like street tacos, hummus & pita, and fruit cups, as well as more hearty fare like pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, and wraps.
- Ice cream treats have been added to the retail concessions sold in the pool lobby.
To take advantage of the Plaza’s all-inclusive hotel room package, rooms must be booked online by Aug. 29 for a stay June 1 through Aug. 30.
Daily Fantasy Sports
PrizePicks Named Official Daily Fantasy Partner of The Houston Astros

PrizePicks, the largest daily fantasy sports operator in North America, announced that it has been named the Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner of the Houston Astros. The multi-year partnership features digital and in-stadium activations at Daikin Park, building on the DFS leader’s growing presence around Major League Baseball.
As part of the partnership, PrizePicks branding will be showcased prominently throughout Daikin Park with featured static and rotational signage throughout the ballpark. PrizePicks will also be featured on the Astros Radio Network with sponsored “More or Less” segments prior to each game.
“This partnership is all about bringing more fun and bigger rewards to PrizePicks players in Houston,” said Mike Quigley, Chief Marketing Officer at PrizePicks. “We’re rolling out new promotions and experiences that make following the Astros even more exciting for fans — both at the ballpark and at home.”
PrizePicks will also collaborate with the Astros on a special City Connect Monday promotion supporting the team’s Monday home games. As the Astros wear their Nike City Connect uniforms, the team will provide fans a chance to win a $10,000 free PrizePicks lineup and tickets to a future Astros game to watch their picks live at Daikin Park.
“We are thrilled to add PrizePicks as an official Astros partner,” says Matt Richardson, Vice President Corporate Partnerships. “PrizePicks continues to invest in Major League Baseball and is committed to engaging fantasy sports fans in both a responsible and fun way.”
As PrizePicks continues to expand to new markets, investment into responsible gaming remains a key focus. In 2025, PrizePicks was awarded iCAP accreditation by the NCPG for its responsible gaming practices and efforts, becoming the first and only fantasy sports operator to earn the certification. For more information visit, www.prizepicks.com/responsible-gaming.
Latest News
BMM INNOVATION GROUP NAMES JOHN HELDERMAN AS CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

BMM Innovation Group, a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, training, and cybersecurity solutions for the global gaming industry, today announced the appointment of John Helderman as Chief Financial & Administrative Officer.
With more than two decades of executive leadership in the gaming, finance, hospitality, and nonprofit sectors, Helderman brings extensive experience in financial strategy, operational oversight, and enterprise transformation. In his role, Helderman will help drive continued growth and strategic execution for the BIG Group.
BIG Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “John’s deep financial expertise and operational leadership make him an outstanding addition to the BIG executive team. He has a strong track record of aligning financial strategy with organizational growth and creating value across complex, multi-entity businesses. His leadership will be important as we continue to expand our services and technology footprint.”
Before joining BIG, Helderman served as Chief Financial Officer of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a $1 billion luxury resort, where he led accounting, IT, and procurement and was licensed as a Key Executive by the Nevada Gaming Commission. He also held CFO roles at Bluberi Gaming and The Brennan Entities, modernizing financial systems, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting liquidity management during critical growth periods.
Earlier in his career, Helderman served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada, where he led a financial turnaround that improved operating income tenfold. He also held senior finance roles at Caesars Entertainment, including Vice President of Finance and Capital Planning, managing large-scale budgeting and investment strategies across multiple Las Vegas Strip properties.
Helderman earned a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law and bachelor’s degrees in business management and economics from North Carolina State University. He is a licensed attorney in both Georgia and North Carolina and serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Southern Nevada.
Helderman said, “Joining BMM Innovation Group is an incredible opportunity. BIG is a powerhouse in gaming and technology, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team that’s transforming gambling industry performance. I’m excited to help refine BIG’s strategies, systems, and processes and build on the momentum that’s already driving BIG’s growth worldwide.”
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