Services for the General Public
MNAPG provides services to help educate the general public about gambling addiction and to help others who are experiencing problem gambling. All of our services are free to Minnesota residents.
Educating the public about problem gambling is essential in efforts to prevent Minnesotans from developing a gambling addiction. Our presentations include basic information about problem gambling, gaming disorder and the interplay between gambling addiction and other addictions. We also start conversations about prevention, the importance of responsible gambling, and available resources and treatment. Content can be customized for each audience. Some of the audiences we present to include community groups, senior living facilities and school groups. We also have a responsible gambling high school toolkit to help get these important messages out to young people.
To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact MNAPG community educator, Sonja Mertz, smertz@mnapg.org or 612-424-8595 x3.
In partnership with LSS Financial Counseling, we offer free specialized financial services for those in recovery from gambling addiction as well as family members affected by the gambler’s behavior. LSS counselors understand the unique interplay between financial discipline and gambling recovery.
Those who take advantage of this service will meet with a financial counselor who understands how gambling can negatively impact an individual or family’s finances. This benefit provides access to six free and confidential financial counseling sessions that address financial challenges brought on by problem gambling and helps participants chart a path forward to financial stability.
The experienced and non-judgmental counselors at LSS Financial Counseling can help:
- Assess one’s current financial situation
- Create a personalized budget and debt management plan
- Develop strategies to avoid future financial pitfalls
- Set and achieve long-term financial goals
Sessions are available in person, by phone or online. Interested persons should contact LSS Financial Counseling at 800-528-2926 and mention assistance for problem gambling to schedule an appointment. LSS Financial Counseling is an experienced nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency.
MNAPG offers individual subscriptions to Gamban, a self-exclusion tool that allows gamblers to block themselves from accessing thousands of online gambling sites. Subscriptions can be used on up to 15 devices per household. Gamban is available free of charge. Please email sstucker@mnapg.org to request a one-year subscription.
We recognize that community leaders are in a unique position to provide a positive influence on those in their community. Our free problem gambling awareness course helps community leaders in Minnesota educate and advocate for those in their community experiencing problem gambling. The two-part, six-hour course provides training related to gambling addiction, recovery options, and tools and resources to help others. More information is available here. Ongoing registration is available here.
For Minnesotans curious to compare their gambling with other Minnesotans, we’ve developed a short survey. This comparative gambling behavior survey will let respondents know if their gambling is in the healthy or unhealthy range.