Our Recent Events

Too Young To Bet

The Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling (TXCPG) joins lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage gambling. The campaign is organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and supported by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL).

Research shows that the earlier a child is exposed to or participates in gambling, the greater their risk of developing a gambling problem either immediately or later in life.

Youth gambling Fact Sheet

Seeking Understanding

TXCPG Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol
On March 27, 2025, the Texas Council on Problem Gambling (TXCPG) held its annual Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin.
Board members Carol Ann Maner, Paul Maner, Jerry Bauerkemper, and member Cheryl Simonton met with staff from key legislative offices, including:
- Rep. Mary González
- Sen. Pete Flores
- Rep. Charlie Geren
- Sen. José Menéndez
- Sen. Adam Hinojosa
- Sen. Joan Huffman
- Sen. Angela Paxton
- Rep. Eddie Morales, Jr.
- Sen. Carol Alvarado
- Sen. Nathan Johnson
- Sen. Charles Perry
The team divided into two groups to engage more offices and conveyed TXCPG’s position of neutrality on gambling legislation. They highlighted the growing need for problem gambling services in Texas and shared current data on prevalence rates that may inform policy decisions.
In addition, TXCPG advocated for the inclusion of dedicated funding in any gambling-related legislation to support:
- A statewide helpline operated by a recognized organization (e.g., an NCPG affiliate)
- Certification and training of gambling-specific counselors
- Evidence-based prevention services targeted to Texas’s diverse communities

The Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling (TXCPG), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

Exterior image of the capitol building in Austin, TX where The Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling operates

Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Texas

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a grassroots campaign that is designed to help raise public awareness of prevention, treatment and recovery services. PGAM depends on the participation of NCPG state Affiliates, organizational and individual members, state health agencies, gambling companies, recovery groups and a wide range of healthcare organizations and providers to hold a wide range of events and activities.

This year TXCPG held its first Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas on April 17, 2023!
Board members Dr. Devin Mills and Carol Ann Maner, LCSW met with staff members at the offices of key Texas legislators, such as:
Rep. Harold Dutton
Rep. John Kuempel
Rep. Eddie Morales
Rep. Gene Wu
Sen. Borris Miles
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst
Sen. Juan Hinojosa
Devin and Carol Ann emphasized TXCPG’s neutrality on gambling legislation. They provided information on the current needs of Texans due to problem gambling, and on the prevalence rate of problem gambling that policymakers can expect.
Devin and Carol Ann also requested that any legislation provide funds for a recognized organization, such as an NCPG state affiliate, to maintain a gambling helpline, train certified gambling counselors, and organize evidence-based prevention services to diverse communities across Texas.