Programs

  • Problem Gambling Awareness and Prevention

    STATEMENT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FY 2021-2022COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS:MNAPG exhibits at all the major healthcare conferences around the state. We provide resource materials and make presentations about problem gambling, the particular populations most vulnerable and educate those who have had no exposure to problem gambling, gambling disorder. In addition to tabling at 10 major conferences, we attend community health fairs, speak to community groups, PTAs, and staff of treatment centers.MNAPG hired a new community educator to broaden our outreach efforts around the state. SERVICE ON STATE AND NATIONAL BOARDS WITH TOUCHPOINTS TO PROBLEM GAMBLING:MNAPG participated in the DHS Advisory Council meetings, where we discussed ways in which the delivery of services can be improved. We have served on this council since its inception over 13 years ago. This year for the first time we gained a seat on the State Suicide Prevention Task force. Those with gambling addictions have the highest rate of suicide than any other addiction, and the state plan did not mention it at all as a risk factor. We were also invited to serve on the Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advisory Council. Again to provide new audiences education about the co-occurrence of addiction and mental health. PREVENTION TOOLS:MNAPG continues to offer a free subscription to Gamban an online blocking app, which blocks over 65,000 worldwide gambling sites. BetBlocker was added this year. It doesn't block as many sites but is completely free and the user can load without the need to contact MNAPG. We added the helpline vendor to offer the subscriptions without the need to connect with MNAPG. MNAPG added a new evidence-based survey tool to any Minnesotan who is interested in comparing their gambling habits to other Minnesotans. Research shows behavior can be influenced if a frequent gambler realizes that most of the population is not gambling at the same rate. TRAINING:All training opportunities (online and instate) for problem gambler counselors are subsidized by MNAPG, to eliminate barriers. Full scholarships were offered to NCPG's pre-conference workshops and again to their virtual full conference. NORTHERN LIGHT - QUARTERLY JOURNAL:MNAPG produces a quarterly newsletter with a distribution of over 14,000 hard and electronic copies. Each quarter readers are provided the most up-to-date information about gambling trends from the point of view of the industry, information about conferences/trainings, a recovery story and usually a piece on some recent research. Treatment provider meetings - quarterlyStarting in 2019, MNAPG continues to bring the counselors together for networking, sharing ideas, understanding their need for additional training and some problem solving. ADVERTISING:MNAPG continued to spend a significant portion of program dollars on prevention messaging and educating the public about free treatment and where to turn for help. Ads were placed in targeted journals and with the ability to geo-fence particularly demographics/types of users, we saw some improvement in our opening rates of digital ads and increased website visits. REBRANDED AND REVISED MNAPG RESOURCES:With a name change in November 2021, all of our resource material needed to be rebranded and provided the opportunity to update and revise. Existing pieces were rewritten, new brochures were created and several of the pieces were translated into 4 different languages reflecting the changing demographics in Minnesota. EXPANSION OF GAMBLING IN MINNESOTA:Two sports betting bills were introduced last session; a house and senate bill. MNAPG is neutral on gambling legalization, but we had many conversations with the authors of the bills, making suggestions to improve the bill with regard to supporting gambling addiction services, raising the age to 21, funding for increased research and more counseling services for families, limiting the exposure to gambling advertising in areas where children are primarily present. We also continue to seek legislative support to overhaul the delivery of problem gambling services.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2021 – Jun 30, 2022
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $409.9K

  • Program 1 [2025]

    Statement of Accomplishments FY 2024-2025 * Provided 88 Gamban free subscriptions an online app that blocks tens of thousands of gambling sites across the world. This was an 11% increase from the previous year. Since offering the free subscriptions in March 2020 we have distributed 188 free subscriptions.* Contracted with Lutheran Social Services Financial Counseling to provide 60 individuals and their families with access to free financial counseling: debt management plans, budgeting, assistance with bankruptcy.* Promoted the Gift Responsibly campaign to remind adults not to purchase lottery tickets for youth. A campaign that runs in the months of December and May/June on paid social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok) targeted email and digital ads through the Star Tribune.* MNAPG posts at least ten paid monthly postings on social media platforms to increase awareness to gambling addiction and resources available. MNAPG posts at least ten organic (nonpaid) posts.* MNAPG continued to make available and promote the high school toolkit focused on gambling and gaming targeted to middle school and high school students teachers and coaches. Our community educator presented to 12 middle schools and high schools throughout Minnesota.* Produced 4 quarterly 8-page nationally awarded newsletter. We distribute over 9500 print versions and email over 2500 electronic copies to our readers around the state and to our associates around the country.* Month of March Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) MNAPG paid for a 30 & 15 second PSA with the message geared towards families and affected others; "Let's Talk About It The Elephant in the Room". The ad ran on paid digital media, streaming channels and our website. Several million people viewed one or more of the ads. MNAPG also participates in the national PGAM program sponsored by National Council on Problem Gambling. MNAPG appeared on local media (television/radio) several times throughout the month promoting problem gambling awareness. We produce a feature story for The Phoenix Spirit, a recovery journal,distributed throughout the state of Minnesota.* MNAPG presented or tabled at over 62 conferences, health fairs and othercommunity gatherings during the year.* MNAPG held its annual conference in September 2024 "Connecting. Reflecting.Moving Forward." Over 130 people attended from across the state to network and to receive the latest training and updates on gambling addiction and the changes in the gambling industry. Licensed counselors from a variety of disciplines receive educational credits towards their license renewal.* MNAPG developed with their partner Global Safer Gambling, 3 video trainingmodules for casino employees to better understand the signs of problem gambling and ways they can help their customers when they are exhibiting concerning behaviors.* MNAPG's Executive Director continued to be active on the NCPG board of directors and completed their second year as president.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jul 1, 2024 – Jun 30, 2025
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $1.3M