The Division of Gaming has approved multiple grants under the Responsible Gaming Grants program for 2024, supporting initiatives to address gambling-related harms through education, research, treatment, and recovery programs. A total of seven projects have been funded, targeting diverse needs such as public awareness, youth education, military populations, and athlete wellbeing.
The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) received $599,500 for the Problem Gambling Awareness & Education Project (Year 2), aimed at expanding media outreach, community engagement, and campaign performance evaluation. Additionally, the Problem Gambling Center was granted $149,540.60 to enhance accessibility, integrate holistic services, and use data-driven approaches to improve efficiency and sustainability.
Kindbridge Research Institute was awarded funding for five initiatives. The Healthy Gaming Education Program, receiving $71,500, focuses on educating children about the risks of gaming-related gambling mechanisms. The Screening and Telehealth Enhancement for Gambling Disorder (STEGD) Initiative was allocated $500,060 to develop care pathways, screening tools, and telehealth components for gambling disorder treatment. The Colorado Military Problem Gambling Program (Phase 2) was granted $404,910 for telehealth services, ROTC training, and a military research fellowship. The Colorado Athlete Wellbeing Program (Phase 2), funded at $171,710, aims to expand mental health support and incorporate advanced research methods. Finally, the Stanford Gambling Addiction Therapy Study (SGATS) in Colorado received $63,250 to advance evidence-based treatment methodologies in partnership with Stanford University.
The grants reflect a comprehensive strategy to mitigate gambling-related harms, emphasizing education, innovative treatment approaches, and community-focused initiatives. These projects aim to address various demographics, including children, military personnel, and professional athletes, and to enhance public understanding and treatment of gambling disorders statewide.