Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise allocates $3.4 million for problem gambling awareness

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise contributed more than $3.4 million to support problem gambling education, prevention and treatment across the Navajo Nation, and has implemented staff training, helpline messaging and an oversight committee at its properties.

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) is observing Problem Gambling Awareness Month with measures intended to raise awareness and expand services. NNGE has contributed more than $3.4 million to support responsible gambling education, prevention, treatment and wellness programs and makes additional donations from unclaimed and forfeited jackpots to nonprofits in New Mexico and Arizona. Across its properties the enterprise has required employee training, displays helpline messaging, established an oversight committee and conducts periodic program assessments. Key details: - NNGE provided more than $3.4 million in support for problem gambling initiatives, noting compliance with compact requirements in New Mexico and Arizona. - Additional support comes from donations of unclaimed and forfeited jackpots to nonprofit organizations in both states and from media and advertising outreach. - Operational steps include mandatory employee training, prominent problem-gambling helpline information at gaming properties, an NNGE oversight committee and periodic evaluations, and NNGE leadership said people would be referred to trained resources when needed. Summary: NNGE's funding and operational measures are presented as efforts to increase public awareness and expand treatment and prevention services for people affected by problem gambling, their families and vulnerable youth. The article does not specify a timeline or further procedural steps for evaluating these efforts. Undetermined at this time.