National Council on Problem Gambling2 0 0 3 A N N U A L R E P O R T

2003

The NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist

problem gamblers and their families. Our mission is to increase public

awareness of pathological gambling, ensure the widespread availability of

treatment for problem gamblers and their families, and to encourage research and

programs for prevention and education. As an advocate for

problem gamblers, NCPG does not take a position for or against legalized

gambling, but concentrates on helping those with gambling problems.

Our Purpose and Mission

National Councilon Problem Gambling

1

From the Executive Director 2

2003 Overview 3

2003 Highlights and Awards 4

Financial Highlights 5

2003 Membership and Contributors 6-7

NCPG Officers and Board of Directors 8

NCPGTHE NCPG I S THE NAT IONAL

ADVOCATE FOR PROGRAMS AND

SERV ICES TO ASS I S T P ROB L EM

GAMBLERS AND THE IR FAMI L I ES

Table ofContents

2

From the Executive DirectorI am pleased to provide an overview of the National Council on Problem Gambling and our issues and activities in 2003.

In any given year, approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1%) meet criteria for pathological gambling. Another 4–6 million (2–3%) have less significant, but still serious problems. The disorder is characterized by loss of control over gambling,by increases in gambling frequency, in time spent gambling and in amounts wagered, and by a continuation of gambling inspite of serious, negative consequences. Individuals with gambling problems are much more likely than others to have problems with smoking, drinking and drugs. They are much more likely than others to suffer from depression and there is a

strong link between suicide and pathological gambling. Problem gambling has genetic, behavioraland environmental components—it is a public health issue.

Problem gambling is a serious mental health problem. An unfortunate combination of ignorance,indifference and misunderstanding prevents many people with gambling problems from gettingthe help they need. A common public perception is that problem gamblers are weak-willed or irresponsible. The majority of states with legalized gambling do not provide any funding or servicesfor citizens who develop gambling problems. Many insurance companies refuse to reimburse fortreatment for problem gambling. The result is no help or inadequate help for the vast majority of ourcitizens. The National Council provides objective information to dispel the myths and help educateopinion leaders and the general public and advocate for services throughout the United States.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission estimated that the cost to society from gamblingproblems was $5 billion per year. But research indicates the combination of state-funded programs,

private counseling and self help groups are successful in helping reduce the harm caused by gambling problems. We believethe benefits of providing services for problem gamblers far outweigh the costs of these services.

The NCPG provides a number of programs to help increase public awareness, ensure availability of services for problemgamblers and encourage research. In addition, we work extensively with the media to represent the problem gambling field.Our major programs include the:

• National HelpLine Network: One nationwide number (800.522.4700) that is tied into a network of regional crisis call centers. This allows one number to be publicized across all gambling materials, regardless of the individual organization, market or region. The HelpLine is available 24/7 and is free of charge. Over 145,000 calls wereplaced in 2003.

• National Conference on Problem Gambling: Regulators, counselors, researchers and industry representatives fromaround the globe make it a point to attend the world’s oldest and largest conference on problem gambling. This annualevent results in a great deal of public awareness and provides attendees with the latest information on research,prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

• National Problem Gambling Awareness Week: NCPG distributes thousands of free tool kits that state affiliates,addictions centers, healthcare clinics, and other healthcare providers can use to increase public awareness and education about problem gambling. This annual event emphasizes the “Hope and Help” available for individuals whoare experiencing problems associated with gambling.

• Administration of the National Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC) program to promote competency in counselingfor problem gamblers and their families.

We still have far to go before we have comprehensive and effective problem gambling prevention programs, education onhow to recognize a gambling problem and seek help, services for those in crisis, enforcement of existing gambling laws andfunded research on even the most basic questions in the field. But by working together, we can make a meaningful differencein the lives of problem gamblers and their families—today and in the future.

Sincerely,

Keith S. WhyteExecutive Director

3

145,000OVER 145 ,000 P EOP L E CA L L ED

THE NCPG HELP L INE IN 2003.

2003Overview

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was established in 1972 tospeak out on behalf of problem gamblers and their families. The initial growth ofthe NCPG was slow but steady and the organization benefited from the work ofpioneers such as Dr. Robert Custer and Monsignor Joseph Dunne. The NCPGsponsored the Journal of Gambling Studies, the first scholarly journal to specializein gambling research, and began an annual conference for researchers and clini-cians interested in gambling issues. State affiliate membership has grown to 33,and over 400 individuals from twelve countries attended our 17th AnnualConference in June 2003. The NCPG-administered National Certified GamblingCounselor (NCGC) program now includes more than 500 counselors.

The NCPG Board of Directors developed an aggressive set of goals for 2003, andsuccessfully met or exceeded every one. Many of these goals are continuations ofa multi-year process of evaluating and strengthening crucial National Councilprocesses and programs.

• The National Conference on Problem Gambling (now in its 18th consecutiveyear) planning process was strengthened and conference site selection wasexpanded two years ahead to secure good rates and facilitate attendee planning.97% of the attendees at our 17th Annual Conference in Louisville, KY felt theconference met or exceeded their expectations.

• The first National Problem Gambling Awareness Week was held March 10–17,2003 and far exceeded expectations. Over 1,500 packets of specialized materialswere distributed, and events were held during the week in 25 states. A total of52 organizations joined together to support the event that received an overallpositive evaluation from 80% of participants.

• The committee structure was overhauled and each committee developed a mis-sion statement and goals. While numerous committees were active, severalaccomplished specific goals. The Research Committee developed several factsheets and planned a follow-up study to the 1999 Survey of Problem GamblingServices. The Self Exclusion Task Force completed a white paper to help guidepolicy in this area.

• The National Problem Gambling HelpLine Network underwent major upgrades,including development of a uniform minimum data set, approval of bindingPolices and Procedures document, and preparation of a bid and review processfor a major new HelpLine vendor contract.

• Budgeting and financial planning processes were improved and membershipcategories were evaluated and updated.

• Staff worked with Affiliate members in several states, providing letters ofsupport and technical assistance regarding fundraising, legislative issues andstate contracts.

• A list of inpatient and residential gambling treatment programs was devel-oped as part of a major redesign and expansion of the NCPG website,www.ncpgambling.org.

• The new NCPG brochure, whose design and production were spearheaded byour members, was so popular that we are already in our second print run.

It must be noted that these goals do not encompass all the NCPG’s extensiveactivities throughout 2003, but reflect specific priorities identified by the Boardof Directors.

4

2003 Highlightsand Awards

One of the NCPG’s major new initiatives for 2003 was the first National ProblemGambling Awareness Week, held March 10–17, 2003. The purpose of this weekwas to increase public awareness and educate healthcare providers about problemgambling. During the week communities nationwide worked to raise awarenessof the consequences of problem gambling and the resources available for thosewhose gambling is causing disruption in their life. They emphasized that treatmentfor a gambling problem is not only available, but is also effective in improving thelives of problem gamblers and their families. The results far exceeded expectations.Over 1,500 packets were distributed, and events were held during the week in25 states. A total of 52 organizations joined together to support the event thatreceived an overall positive evaluation from 80% of participants.

The NCPG honored the best in the problem gambling field during the annualAwards Lunch at the 17th National Conference on Problem Gambling. The Dr. Robert Custer Award was given to Arnie and Sheila Wexler. This award wasnamed after problem gambling pioneer Dr. Robert Custer, and is given to honorthose whose life’s work has been in support of problem gamblers and their families.The Wexlers have been pioneers in the gambling field—providing help to problemgamblers, their families as well as professionals throughout the country whoprovide problem gambling services. The Custer Award is only given in exceptionalcircumstances and not necessarily awarded each year.

The 2003 Outstanding Contributor in the Field award is given to a person andorganization outside of the NCPG structure that has demonstrated superiorachievement in addressing issues of problem gambling. The Honorable JudgeMark Farrell, District Justice of Amherst, New York, received the Individual awardfor his achievements in setting up the nation’s first Gambling Treatment Court.Trimeridian, Inc. received the Organization award for their innovative workthroughout the country on the assessment, treatment and research of problemand pathological gambling.

The Industry Award went to the Kentucky Lottery Corporation for their superiorachievement in addressing issues of problem and pathological gambling.The Kentucky Lottery was a pioneer in developing responsible gaming programsand continues to be a leading proponent of responsible gaming and problem-gambling awareness programs in Kentucky.

The Minnesota State Lottery received the Government Award, for the governmentagency or program that has demonstrated superior achievement in addressingissues of problem and pathological gambling. The Minnesota State Lottery hasbeen a significant provider of training and education for numerous entities in thefield of addiction and gambling.

The Media Awards are given annually to the program(s) that appeared in the pastyear that best raised public awareness of problem gambling. The Electronic Mediaaward went to Mike Tobias and the Nebraska Public Television (NETV) for the“Statewide” program on problem gambling among older adults in Nebraska.Reporters Grace Schneider and Lesley Stedman put together the series“Gambling Addiction: Kentuckiana’s Growing Problem” in the LouisvilleCourier-Journal that won the Media (Print) award. This series prompted a responsefrom the Kentucky Legislature and elevated discussion of problem gambling to astatewide issue in both Kentucky and Indiana.

Linda Graves, Deputy Director of the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems,received the 2003 Service Award, in recognition of extraordinary volunteer con-tributions to the NCPG over the course of the past year by a member of the Boardof Directors.

The NCPG Research Committee honored two students—Guy Jeff Powell, Ph.D.,received the Dissertation Award, and Laurie Dickson, of McGill University’sInternational Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviorsreceived the award for the best Masters Thesis.

Judge Farrell

SPIRITTHE NCPG AWARDS RECOGNIZE

THE E X T RAORD INARY S P I R I T OF

VOLUNTEER ISM IN OUR F IE LD .

5

Financial Highlights

Balance Sheet

December 31, 2003

ASSETSCurrent Assets:

Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 37,143.99Accounts Receivable 3,142.77Prepaid Expenses 3,464.00Inventories 3,543.00Other Current Assets 1,504.50Total Current Assets 48,798.26

Non-Current Assets:Office Equipment 4,496.00Total Non-Current Assets 4,496.00

Total Assets $ 53,294.26

LIABILITIES AND EQUITYCurrent Liabilities:

Accounts Payable $ 14,127.82Other Current Liabilities 1,550.00Total Current Liabilities 15,677.82Non-Current Liabilities —

Total Liabilities $ 15,677.82

Equity:Retained Earnings $ 56,624.11Net Income (19,007.67)Total Equity $ 37,616.44

Total Liabilities and Equity $ 53,294.26

Income Statement

Fiscal 2003 Fiscal 2002 Fiscal 2001

REVENUESConference Income $120,168.00 $184,223.00 $183,363.00Affiliate Dues 53,755.98 43,981.00 44,179.00Membership 61,510.00 46,810.00 46,092.00Contributions 80,334.90 71,604.00 73,251.00Other Revenue 44,842.56 78,556.00 43,340.00

GROSS REVENUE $360,611.44 $425,174.00 $390,225.00Administrative Expenses 151,330.91 144,749.00 120,413.00Rent and Office Expenses 38,014.76 32,685.00 38,300.00Helpline Expenses 44,624.28 64,836.00 59,580.00Conference and Program

Expenses 145,649.16 182,021.00 215,452.00

Total Expenses $379,619.11 $424,291.00 $433,772.00

Net Income $ (19,007.67) $ 883.00 $ (43,547.00)

Affiliate Dues 14.92%Membership 17.06%

Conference Income 33.32%Contributions 22.27%

Other Revenue 12.43%

Helpline Expense 11.76%Rent and Office Expense 10.01%

Administrative Expense 39.86%

2003 Revenue Distribution

2003 Expense Distribution

Programs andConference Expense 38.37%

6

Corporate (Organizational) Members in 2003:

Bank of America

Global Cash Access

GTECH

Harrah’s Entertainment

Isleta Casino & Resort

IGT

Minnesota State Lottery

Mohegan Sun

Trading Cove Associates

In addition, a number of individualsand organizations contribute to thework of the NCPG. In 2003 theseSupporters included:

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Autotote Enterprises

Bensinger, Dupont & Associates

Brill Hygienic Products

Canterbury Park

Citizens Bank of Connecticut

Jump Higher LLC

Jon Roccon, Inc.

Larry Davis

Reverence Life and Concern for People

Reverend Monsignor Joseph Dunne

*The NCPG thanks the hundreds of Individual Members for their continued support.

Finally, groups across the country cametogether for the 1st Annual NationalProblem Gambling Awareness Week,March 10–17, 2003, organized by theAssociation of Problem GamblingService Administrators and NCPG.There were three levels of participationin this specific event: Organizationsthat support the goals and objectivesof NPGAW but are unable to providedirect contributions or in-kind supportare eligible to become Supporters.Partners are organizations that partic-ipated in the week and provided director in-kind support of $2,500. Sponsorscontributed $5,000 or equivalent in-kind support.

Sponsors:

Connecticut Department of MentalHealth and Addiction Services

Iowa Department of Public Health

International Game Technology

Minnesota Indian Gaming Association

Minnesota State Lottery

National Thoroughbred Racing Association

Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Nebraska Lottery

Oregon Department of Human Services

Russell & Herder

Trimeridian

Washington State Council on Problem Gambling

Washington State Lottery

Partners:

Mohegan Sun

National Indian Gaming Association

Supporters:

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling

Arizona Lottery

A-Game

Behavioral Healthcare Options, Inc.

California Council on Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado

Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling

Illinois Department of Human Services

Indiana Council on Problem Gambling

Indiana Division of Mental Health

Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Kansas Coalition on Compulsive Gambling

Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services

Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Maryland Council on Problem Gambling

2003 Membership*and Contributors

7

Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Michigan Council on Problem Gambling

Minnesota Department of Human Services

Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns

Missouri Department of Mental Health

NAADAC—The Association forAddiction Professionals

New York Council on Problem Gambling

New York Office of Mental Health

Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance

Ohio Council on Problem Gambling

Oregon Gambling AddictionTreatment Foundation

Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling

United Way of Southern Nevada

Washington Department of Social and Health Services

West Virginia Lottery

Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling

NCPG Affiliate List (As of 12/18/03):

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling

California Council on Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado

Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling

Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

Illinois Council on Problem andCompulsive Gambling

Indiana Council on Problem Gambling

Kansas Coalition on Compulsive Gambling

Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling

Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Maryland Council on Problem Gambling

Michigan Council on Problem Gambling

Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns

Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling

Montana Council on Problem Gambling

North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling

Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling

New York Council on Problem Gambling

Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance

Council on Compulsive Gambling of North Dakota

Ohio Council on Problem Gambling

Oregon Gambling AddictionTreatment Foundation

Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania

Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling

South Carolina Council on Problem Gambling

Texas Council on Problem andCompulsive Gambling

Vermont Council on Problem Gambling

Washington State Council on Problem Gambling

Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling

Annual Report Sponsor: Mohegan Sun

NCPG Officersand Board of Directors

8

2002–2003 Officers:President: Chuck Maurer, Ph.D.Executive Vice President:

Carol O’HareVice President:

(vacant as of April 3, 2003)Treasurer: Bill VelardoSecretary: Betty Greer

2002–2003 Executive Committee:Chair: Chuck Maurer, Ph.D.Betty GreerCarol O’HareBill VelardoReece Middleton, Chair,

Affiliates CommitteeRachel Volberg, Ph.D.,

At-Large RepresentativeEx-officio: Keith Whyte,

Executive Director

2003–2004 Officers:President: Rachel Volberg, Ph.D.Executive Vice President: Reece

MiddletonSecretary: Seth Eisenberg, M.D.Vice President: Carol O’HareTreasurer: Bill Velardo

2003–2004 Executive Committee:Chair: Rachel Volberg, Ph.D.Reece MiddletonCarol O’HareBill VelardoSeth Eisenberg, M.D.Jerry Bauerkemper, Chair,

Affiliate CommitteeDennis McNeilly, Psy.D.,

At-Large RepresentativeEx-officio: Chuck Maurer, Ph.D.Ex-officio: Keith Whyte

Executive Director:Keith Whyte

Board of Directors:Paul Ashe,

South Carolina Council on Problem Gambling

Jerry Bauerkemper,Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling

Bo Bernhard, Ph.D.,At-Large (2003–2006)

Kandace Blanchard,New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling

Thomas Broffman, Ph.D.,Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling

Peggy Brown,Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado

Tim Christensen,At-Large (2003–2006)

Bill Eadington, Ph.D.,At-Large (2000–2004)

Ron Eisenbarth,Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling

Seth Eisenberg, M.D.,At-Large (2002–2004)

Don Feeney,At-Large (2002–2005)

Pat Fowler,Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

Joanna Franklin,Maryland Council on Problem Gambling

Lynn Gottschalk,Indiana Council on Problem Gambling

Betty Greer,Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling

Rose Gruber,Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling

Barbara Harrison,Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania

Tangerine-Ann Holt, Ph.D.,Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling

T. Lance Holthusen,Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance

Don Hulen,Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling

Dewey Jacobs, Ph.D.,At-Large (2002–2005)

Donna Johnson,Montana Council on Problem Gambling

Connie Jones,At-Large (2001–2004)

Nancy Lantz,At-Large (2000–2004)

Henry Lesieur, Ph.D.,At-Large (2002–2005)

Sharon Lichtenstein,Texas Council on Problem andCompulsive Gambling

Jim Maney,New York Council on Problem Gambling

Chuck Maurer, Ph.D.,Washington State Council on Problem Gambling

Brad McClennan,North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling

Tom Merrick,Council on Compulsive Gambling of North Dakota

Dennis McNeilly, Psy.D.,At-Large (2003–2006)

Reece Middleton,Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling

Anthony Miranda,At-Large (2003–2006)

Joy Mitchell,Vermont Council on Problem Gambling

Thomas Moore, Ph.D.,Oregon Gambling Addiction Treatment Foundation

Cyndi Moriarty,Illinois Council on Problem &Compulsive Gambling

Rena Nora, M.D.,At-Large (2003–2006)

Carol O’Hare,Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

Lisa Pertzoff,Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

Bruce Roberts,California Council on Problem Gambling

Richard Rosenthal, M.D.,At-Large (2003–2006)

Lori Rugle, Ph.D.,Ohio Council on Problem Gambling

Kathy Scanlan,Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

Keith Spare,Missouri Council on Gambling Problems

Kate Spilde, Ph.D.,At-Large (2002–2005)

Marvin Steinberg, Ph.D.,Connecticut Council on Compulsive Gambling

Mike Stone,At-Large (2003–2006)

Roger Svendsen,At-Large (2002–2005)

Bill Velardo,At-Large (2003–2006)

Rachel Volberg, Ph.D.,At-Large (2002–2005)

Frank Williams, Jr.,At-Large (2001–2004)

Msgr. Joseph Dunne—emeritus

Rachel Volberg, Ph.D.

Chuck Maurer, Ph.D.

Des

igne

d by

Cur

ran

& C

onno

rs,I

nc./

ww

w.c

urra

n-co

nnor

s.co

m

2 0 8 G S T R E E T N E , S U I T E 1 0 0W A S H I N G T O N , D C 2 0 0 0 2

2 0 2 . 5 4 7 . 9 2 0 4

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling HelpLine Number

at 800.522.4700 for confidential assistance.

For more information, go to www.ncpgambling.org for the online directory of nationally-certified gambling counselors,

inpatient and residential treatment directory, links to problem gambling service programs at the state level online catalog of

resources and reference material and additional information on problem gambling.

National Councilon Problem Gambling

Waysto Contribute

We welcome the contributions of individuals or organizations who wish to support our efforts. However, the NCPG

will not accept restrictions on the use of donations except as required under Federal or state non-profit guidelines.

The National Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (Federal tax ID number: 51-0141872) and contributions are tax

deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Individual Membership—includes full voting membership in NCPG, a membership certificate and laminated ID card,

bi-monthly subscription to Addiction Professional, a quarterly subscription to the NCPG newsletter National News and

discounts on literature and conferences.

Corporate Members receive an engraved membership plaque, the newsletter and Annual Report, a vote at the

Annual Meeting and are recognized in our publications. All corporate employees are eligible for a discounted

rate at National Conference.

There are a number of ways to support the work of the National Council without becoming a member. We recognize

individual and organizational donors on multiple levels: Supporters, Contributors, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Contact the NCPG office for current rates and benefits.