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Seeking Understanding

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.

Icon for The Texas Coalition on Problem Gambling in all white set behind TXCPG's call to action

Texas is a big place!

Your donation to TXCPG helps prevent and reduce the effects of gambling harms across the state.