BetsOff - Problem Gambling Support
This page is part of the LOVE Columbia information library website. To contact the organization listed below, please follow links or phone numbers given within the article.
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The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (MACPG) is a partnership between the Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns Inc., the Missouri Department of Mental Heath's Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse, the Missouri Gaming Association, the Missouri Gaming Commission, the Missouri Lottery and the Port Authority of Kansas City.
This unique partnership of public, private and nonprofit organizations recognizes the need to address the social problems and costs that are created when some individuals have problems handling the product or service that the state and gaming industry provide.
Studies indicate that 95 percent of the Missouri residents who purchase lottery tickets or visit riverboat casinos or bingo parlors understand the costs and risks of participating in these games of chance. However, up to 5 percent of the individuals who participate in these gambling activities experience personal, financial and social difficulties due to an obsession with these games.
The purpose of MACPG is to educate Missourians on the potential characteristics and dangers of problem and compulsive gambling, to refer compulsive gamblers and their family and friends to free treatment through a toll-free help line, to prevent underage play and to promote responsible gaming.