Charleston, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Hour House recently announced its commitment as a participant of the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery use. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University.
Research shows that the earlier a person’s participation or exposure to gambling is in childhood, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem later in life. Gambling exposure during childhood is often through some kind of lottery product, such as lottery tickets or scratch offs. Often these items are given to a child by an adult who is unaware of the associated risks.
“Early intervention is key when it comes to reaching adolescents. What seems fun and innocent as a teen, could turn into something more serious as an adult,” said Amy Bullington, Gambling Coordinator for the Hour House.
Hour House has signed on to the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign as a participant providing services to young adults. During the November and December, Hour House will work to promote awareness about the risks of underage lottery use by creating public service announcements, spreading the word on social media outlets, and distributing marketing materials to local vendors.
“Youth gambling is a growing risk that too often goes overlooked. The Gift Responsibly Campaign plays a vital role in helping families and communities understand the importance of keeping lottery products out of kids’ hands,” said Derek Longmeier, President of NCPG’s Board of Directors. “We’re grateful to the Hour House for joining this effort and working to expand education and awareness to protect young people from gambling-related harm.”
About the Hour House
We are a community-based, not-for-profit corporation offering services to address substance use disorders and other therapeutic needs. We began helping east central Illinois and other state residents as the Central East Alcoholism & Drug Council originally incorporated in 1972. We opened our first facility in 1973 and now operate 10 sites in our geographic area. In 2020 we began using the name Hour House in recognition of the reality that recovery happens an “hour at a time”.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associate with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Hotline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-522-4700, text 800GAM, or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7-it is free and confidential.
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