California has launched a statewide public-health campaign to help residents identify problem gambling and obtain confidential, no-cost treatment and support. The California Department of Public Health’s initiative, “The Odds Don’t Have to Stay Against You,” will run through July 2029.
The campaign centres on early recognition of behaviours that can otherwise remain hidden until they affect finances, relationships and well-being. CDPH lists signs including an uncontrollable urge to gamble, financial harm, deteriorating relationships and mental-health problems.
“Problem gambling can quietly and powerfully affect the health and stability of individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the department’s director and state public health officer. She said the campaign was intended to give Californians a “clear, compassionate path to support” and encourage people to seek help early.
Residents can call 1-800-GAMBLER, visit 800gambler.chat or text SUPPORT to 53342 for free, confidential assistance available around the clock. The department’s Office of Problem Gambling provides culturally and linguistically informed prevention, education and treatment services across the state.
A recent survey found that roughly one-quarter of California adults had gambled during the year, while nearly 500,000 adults reported symptoms of problem gambling. CDPH said California Health Interview Survey data showed adults who reported gambling were more likely to report behaviours associated with poor health outcomes, including smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes, binge drinking and use of non-physician-directed prescription drugs or illegal drugs such as methamphetamine or heroin.
The state will distribute campaign messages through broadcast radio, digital display advertising, social media, influencers, search and out-of-home placements near casinos and other high-traffic locations. The material will be available in multiple languages and is intended to reach people with gambling problems, those at risk, and affected relatives and community members.
CDPH said it developed the campaign using literature reviews, interviews with experts and stakeholders, an assessment of earlier media campaigns, a statewide survey of nearly 1,400 people and nine focus groups involving more than 50 participants. That research included people experiencing gambling problems, people at risk and family members and friends from diverse California communities.
