Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling

11/20/2025

New Connections podcast episode: Broke but Not Broken: Women’s Voices in Gambling Recovery – S6E4

Join guests Terra Carbert (Ambitious Addicts) and Christina Cook (The Broke Girl Society - Gambling Recovery Support Groupirl Society) with host Tana Russell, ECPG Deputy Director, as they explore the origins and impact of the Broke Girl Society Facebook forum and podcast. The conversation addresses stigma, the impacts of gambling experienced by women, and the importance of safe spaces where women can share their pain and discover pathways to healing.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xYtLdjOphf9G3STujzFWP

11/17/2025

Meet Skye, our equine therapy horse who inspires calm, hope, and connection. Known for his gentle and intuitive nature, Skye represents the healing power of compassion and the strength that comes from care.

Through ECPG’s Healing Animal Adoptions program, you can symbolically adopt Skye and help support our partnership with Lifeline Connections, whose Equine Therapy Program helps individuals, including veterans, work through trauma, stress, and behavioral health challenges.

Equine therapy builds trust, confidence, and emotional balance, reminding us that healing often starts with simple moments of connection.

Bring Skye home as a symbol of hope and help others on their journey to healing and empowerment.

Adopt Skye here: https://www.evergreencpg.org/product/skye-the-therapy-horse/

11/13/2025

Healing Animals Helping Veterans.

Meet Casey, ECPG’s service dog who represents loyalty, courage, and the unbreakable bond between a veteran and their trusted service dog. Casey is a reminder that strength is not only found in independence but also in connection and support.

Through ECPG’s Healing Animal Adoptions program, you can symbolically adopt Casey and help support our partnership with Northwest Battle Buddies, an organization that provides professionally trained service dogs to veterans living with PTSD. These service dogs empower veterans to regain confidence, stability, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Every symbolic adoption helps extend that mission by bringing comfort, healing, and hope to veterans and families in our communities.

Bring Casey home as a symbol of courage and how you’re making a difference to help others find strength in their recovery.

Adopt Casey here: https://www.evergreencpg.org/product/casey-the-service-dog/

11/11/2025

This Veterans Day, we honor those who have served and recognize that true support extends beyond a single day of recognition.

Many veterans face unique challenges after service. Whether it is coping with stress, adjusting to civilian life, managing trauma, or facing higher rates of problem gambling and other mental health concerns, healing begins with understanding and community care.

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling created the Healing Animal Adoptions program to give supporters a way to make a difference. By symbolically adopting Casey the Service Dog or Skye the Therapy Horse, you help fund programs that provide real-world healing through partnerships with Northwest Battle Buddies and Lifeline Connections.

Let’s show our gratitude by supporting programs that help veterans and their families heal and thrive.

Discover more in our blog: https://www.evergreencpg.org/news/how-healing-animal-adoptions-help-honor-veterans-year-round/

10/24/2025

October is Emotional Wellness Month.

Emotional wellness is an ongoing process. Taking care of your mind and body is as important for your overall health as a good diet. It is important to recognize and address concerns when things do not feel right.

We don’t always see the impact of our choices right away, but we can feel when something isn’t right. That’s where emotional wellness comes in, it can help us understand, manage, and identify unhealthy things in our life. It helps us recognize when a once-enjoyable habit begins to have a negative impact on our well-being.

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Is gambling taking a toll on your emotional wellness? Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and hope.

You are not alone. Find free, confidential resources and treatment options at
evergreencpg.org/help-and-hope/treatment_services
or call or text 1-800-547-6133

10/21/2025

If you are a sports fan, fall is an exciting season in the Pacific Northwest.

This year is no exception. The Mariners fans are talking World Series, the Seahawks are winning nail-biters, the Kraken are sharpening their skates and PNW sports fans are making some noise.

For some fans, it’s also about tracking the odds and placing bets. If that rush starts costing you peace of mind or your paycheck. Take a timeout.

If gambling becomes a problem for you or someone you know, The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is here to help you stay in bounds.

Keep it fun…because at the end of the day, it’s still a game.

Real support. Real hope.

Call or text 1-800-547-6133
Visit keepitfunwa.org

10/15/2025

We are grateful to all who joined us at the 2025 Four Directions: Cultural Awareness and Healing Support Conference hosted by The Suquamish Tribe.

In a record year for attendance, nearly 200 participants gathered for four days of cultural learning, healing, and connection.

Thank you to our presenters, exhibitors, and partners. Special appreciation to The Suquamish Tribe, Suquamish Tribe Wellness Prgrm, and Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort for hosting us on their beautiful ancestral lands.

Save the date! Four Directions 2026 will be held at Resort Casino , November 2–5, 2026. We are excited to partner with the The Tulalip Tribes Tribes and Tulalip Health System for next year’s gathering.

10/13/2025

Indigenous People’s Day has become a time to celebrate the beautiful heritage and traditions, as well as acknowledging the centuries-long history of resilience of Native American people.

Our Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is honored to partner with many of the 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington State on programs and services that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. These Sovereign Tribal Nations are proud representatives of the Pacific Northwest and of the 574 federally recognized tribes throughout our country.

We encourage everyone to take time to learn about and recognize the history, cultures, and resilience of Indigenous peoples – to challenge stereotypes, correct false historical narratives, and acknowledge the history of dispossession and violence against Indigenous people. We need to come together and to heal – as communities and as people.

With great respect, we recognize Indigenous People’s Day and strive every day to be a catalyst for true, honorable connections and celebration of all that Indigenous Peoples share to make our communities whole and healthy.

10/10/2025

Thank you for sharing these important reminders. Take time to care for yourself and ask for help if you need it, not just today but every day.

Please know that if you or someone you love is struggling with problems caused by gambling, you are not alone. Help and resources are available 24/7 through the Washington Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-547-6133.

Today is World Mental Health Day. Let’s celebrate the strength in our stories and the beauty of connection. We are aware of the connection between mental health diagnoses and gambling harms. Let's take the steps to bridge the gap and get folks connected to care.

10/09/2025

The NCAAA’s decision to lift its long-standing prohibition on student-athlete participation in professional sports betting raises important questions about how to best support student health and wellbeing.

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling shares concerns about the potential harms related to gambling and recognizes the need for more behavioral health services and prevention strategies on college campuses.

Maureen Greeley, Executive Director of ECPG, shared the following statement:

“While the new NCAA policy strives to reduce stigma and encourage students to openly share concerns about potential gambling harms and unhealthy gambling behaviors, if student gambling opportunities are expanded, more needs to be done on college campuses to offer crucial behavioral health services and awareness and prevention strategies specifically related to problem gambling and gambling risks.”

Read our full blog here: https://www.evergreencpg.org/news/ncaa-repeals-student-athlete-professional-sports-betting-prohibition/

10/02/2025

There’s been a lot of news about changes to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline. We know this can feel confusing.

In Washington State, nothing changes to our service and support. Our Washington State Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-547-6133 has been active for more than 30 years, and continues to offer free, confidential support 24/7.

You can also find a counselor directory and resources anytime at evergreencpg.org. Help is always here.

For all of the up-to-date information, read our full announcement: https://www.evergreencpg.org/news/helpline-updates/



Thank you to the NNational Council on Problem Gambling WWashington State Health Care Authority and WWashington State Gambling Commission

08/07/2025

New Connections podcast episode: Gambling and Criminal Justice – S6E3

Join guests Ben and Dr. Michelle Malkin with host Tana Russell, ECPG Deputy Director, as they discuss gambling and how the criminal justice system is unprepared to adequately address an underlying Gambling Disorder.

https://www.evergreencpg.org/podcast/gambling-and-criminal-justice-season-6-episode-3/