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.
Compliance Updates
HIPTHER Launches Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool Across Its Global Gaming Media Network

HIPTHER, a leading media and events brand in the Gaming and Tech industries, has launched a new Responsible Gambling Assessment Tool, now live across all of its gaming media platforms. This quick, anonymous self-test is designed to help players better understand their relationship with gambling, encouraging safer play through awareness and early self-checks.
The “Play Responsibly” tool is backed by clinical research and built with user privacy at its core, based on the globally recognized Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a 9-question framework used to assess gambling risk levels, from low to moderate or high.
No sign-up needed. No Cost. No data collected. No Judgement. Just honest insight.
Whether you’re simply curious or looking to take a proactive step toward support, this free tool delivers instant results and practical next steps – all in under two minutes.
Key Features:
- Completely anonymous – no registration or personal data required
- Instant results with tailored guidance
- Available in 5 languages
- Mobile-first and accessible across all devices
- Fully GDPR compliant
Designed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, the tool ensures a smooth and inclusive user experience for everyone. With multilingual support and local resource integration, it helps diverse populations connect with trusted support networks in their region.
“While our media platforms primarily serve the B2B side of the industry, we know they’re also visited by players looking for insights and updates. That’s why it’s important for us to go beyond headlines and contribute real tools that support safer play. This assessment is one small, meaningful step toward that.” – Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER.
Take the assessment today and share it with your community.
Because gambling should always be safe, informed, and fun.
Try it now on any of HIPTHER’s gaming media platforms:
By launching this tool, HIPTHER reaffirms its ongoing commitment to promoting transparency, responsibility, and player well-being in the global gaming industry. Together with our partners and audiences, we continue working toward a safer, more informed future for players everywhere.
Latest News
Evoplay enters Peru’s lottery vertical through a partnership with Loterías Torito

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has partnered with Loterías Torito, one of the authorised operators of lottery games in Peru, to supply a tailored portfolio of instant win games.
The collaboration will see five of Evoplay’s most popular instant games, including Adrenaline Rush, Adrenaline Rush: Scratch, Penalty Shoot–out: Street, B–Ball Blitz, and Hockey Shootout, launch on Loterías Torito’s platform. Each title has been localised and tailored to meet the lottery’s regulatory standards and responsible gaming objectives.
Operating both online and across retail locations, Loterías Torito is a trusted name in the Peruvian lottery sector. Its blend of traditional lottery products and digital offerings makes it an ideal partner for Evoplay’s instant game portfolio, which is designed to attract a broader, mobile-first audience.
Breaking into the lottery space marks a significant achievement for Evoplay, following their strategy to expand its presence in regulated markets across Latin America, delivering localised content and tailored solutions to forward-thinking lottery operators.
Frank Cecchini, Head of Lottery at Evoplay, said: “We are immensely proud to be working with Loterías Torito. “I firmly believe our content can bridge the gap between lottery players and online gamers, helping drive revenue in a safe, responsible, and engaging way.”
José Ludeña Díaz, Director of Operations at Loterías Torito, added: “Evoplay’s games are one of a kind. They’re innovative, high-quality, and exactly what we need to appeal to new generations of players while staying true to our mission and values.”
Latest News
Gila River Resorts & Casinos Announces Brand New Bingo Venue

Gila River Resorts & Casinos has announced the opening of a brand-new bingo hall at its newest property, Santan Mountain. To celebrate the launch of bingo at Santan Mountain and unveil its new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos will be hosting a grand opening event that is open to the public on Aug. 29 – Sept. 1. The grand opening event will be held from 10a.m. to 12p.m. and 4p.m. to 6p.m., at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Santan Mountain, located at 7101 Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85249.
Attendees can look forward to seeing the World’s Largest Bingo drum, giveaways, live DJ, a surprise celebrity guest host and more throughout the grand opening weekend. The first 230 guests in line for each session will get to spin the prize wheel and win a free t-shirt, dauber, gift card, hat, varsity jacket, or other prizes while supplies last. Attendees will also have a chance to participate in Santan Mountain’s inaugural bingo games at 12p.m., 5:30p.m., and 6:30p.m. Santan Mountain is offering a “Buy One, Get One Free” special offer for electronic ticket packages during the grand opening weekend, Friday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 1.
The new state-of-the-art bingo room also will host Bingo After Dark. Also known as B.A.D. Bingo, the exciting late night sessions will take place every Saturday night at 11:30p.m. and include a live DJ, line dancing, glowsticks, cash prizes, and more. Sales start at 9p.m. and spots fill up fast. Attendees won’t want to miss the surprise hosts for the first ever B.A.D. Bingo session at Santan Mountain on Saturday, August 30.
“Bingo has consistently been one of the most beloved and high-energy experiences at our Vee Quiva location, drawing loyal guests and new players alike with every session,” said Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ General Manager, Denise Pfaff. “We knew we had something special, and with the excitement and demand continuing to grow, it only made sense to bring bingo to our newest and most modern property—Santan Mountain. We’re thrilled to introduce a vibrant new way to play and win in a one-of-a-kind setting.”
Santan Mountain’s 13,000-square foot Bingo Club boasts an indoor/outdoor open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning panoramic views of the San Tan Mountains. The bingo hall also features a world-class sound system and lighting system for an immersive playing experience, a dance floor, sophisticated decor and modern interior design elements, 98inch HDTV’s, and digital bingo options and playing features. Bingo sessions will be hosted daily, with bingo ticket packages ranging from $30-$225.
In addition to the new bingo club, Gila River Resorts & Casinos’ Santan Mountain is a modern gaming destination and home to the largest casino sportsbook in the state, 900+ slot machines and table games, a luxurious High Limit Room, five culinary concepts, three bars and lounges, and live music on the weekends.
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