California's new problem gambling awareness campaign seeks to help players

• California launches multi-year campaign focused on protecting consumers experiencing gambling-related harms and problems
• The campaign running through July 2029 is designed to specifically offer no-cost treatments and improve early detection
• With half a million Californians already experiencing signs of problem gambling, the launch of the campaign is timely

California has launched "The Odds Don’t Have to Stay Against You," a new public awareness campaign that seeks to help Californians stay on top of problem gambling and recognize the signs of gambling-related harm when they emerge.

The campaign seeks to connect Californians with the relevant resources, allowing people who recognize the early signs of addictive or excessive gambling behavior to connect to no-cost services that allow them to get their lives back on track - or that of their loved ones.

The campaign seeks to deliver clear, relatable, and empathetic messaging, and will run through July 2029, having launched on September 17. Commenting on the launch, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Erica Pan, had this to say:

"Problem gambling can quietly – and powerfully – affect the health and stability of individuals, families and communities. This campaign is about helping Californians recognize when something feels off, and giving them a clear, compassionate path to support. Our goal is to empower people to reach out early, get connected to free help, and move toward healing and stability."

According to the CDPH, at least half a million Californians have reported symptoms of problem gambling in a recent study that found out that a quarter of adults in the state have gambled in the year leading up to the survey.

A separate survey, the California Health Interview Survey, highlighted that residents who gambled were also more likely to experience or engage in other potentially harmful activities, such as smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes, or binge drinking.

Californian adults struggling with gambling ought to receive the help they deserve, argues the CDPH, which is prioritizing early recognition and access to help to elicit the strongest and most impactful results.

The campaign will seek to constantly equip affected people with the tools and means necessary to identify their risky behavior at an early stage and then pursue no-cost treatments and join communities designed to ensure that they continue on their path to recovery.

Image credit: CDPH