A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
Fiscal Year 2021 was a difficult and challenging year not only for the people of
Rhode Island but also the people of the world. The pandemic hit harder than any
of us could have imagined. Rhode Island, known for our beautiful beaches and
plentiful restaurants was, in effect closed, bringing businesses to a halt.
Many people lost their jobs and loved ones during this time. Hope, healing, and
renewal seemed distant, if not impossible.
The work of helping problem gamblers, however, continued. As the Program
Manager, I am proud of the work our team of Providers were able to accomplish.
Without hesitation, the already difficult work of helping someone whose life has
been torn apart by the grip of this disorder, gambling, had to be done virtually.
Fast track leaning of how to use ZOOM and Facetime, mediums which in the past
would be frowned upon by our industry, was set into motion.
The Problem Gambling Services Program did not miss a beat. Every client
received services, individual, peer, group, and family all virtually. Some clients
opted for just a call; others wanted to see their providers face.
In all, we provided two thousand, five hundred seventy-seven (2,577) services to
two hundred fifty three (253) people.
My purpose in creating this annual report is to provide its readers with an insight
into accomplishments the Fiscal Year 2021 (July 2020 thru June 2021).
Nancy A. Murray
Program Manager
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2012 Legislation passed requiring the Rhode Island Lottery to establish
Problem Gambling Programs, with all funding (no less than one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000) per year) to be provided by Twin River and
Tiverton (then Newport Grand). Subsequent Legislation increased that
minimum amount to one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000)
per year. This Statutory requirement (R.I.G.L. 42-61.2-14) provides us with
unlimited funding for our Problem Gambling Programs. The minimum
amount was increased to two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in 2021.