CONCORD, Ohio, February 9, 2022 – The Media Award, presented by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, was created to recognize outstanding coverage or promotion of issues or projects related to problem and addicted gambling. It is the rarest of the awards KYCPG presents; in fact, since it was introduced in 2000, the honor has only been bestowed to five other individuals or publications.
This year’s recipient, Patricia McQueen, has been with the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries for more than ten years, serving primarily as Editor and chief contributor for the organization’s long running publication, Insights magazine. Each issue of Insights serves as an industry companion guide, highlighting the themes and ideas most significant to North American lotteries. Before her time with NASPL, McQueen spent almost two decades writing about the broader gaming industry, from horse racing to casinos. In 1996 she shifted her primary focus to lottery, and she has acted as one of the industry’s leading voices in research and education ever since.
“All of us at NASPL couldn’t be happier or prouder of Patricia,” said David Gale, NASPL Executive Director. “I am sure I speak not only on behalf of NASPL, but of just about the entire industry, when I say congratulations. This award is so well deserved.”
While McQueen has published many articles on the topic of responsible gambling over the years, it was primarily her work in the January/February 2021 issue of Insights that garnered the recognition of KYCPG. This award-winning series focused on the relationships between lottery organizations and their local, in-state affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling, and how these relationships can be mutually beneficial for lotteries, councils, and – most importantly – players.
“Patricia’s work captured how an industry member and a problem gambling council can work together to further the goals of both organizations,” said Mike Stone, Executive Director of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. “KYCPG hopes that other organizations and councils will see the possibilities and forge working partnerships like we have here in Kentucky,” said Stone. “It’s not hard, it just takes a little vision, a little bit of getting out of one’s own silo, and the coming together on the possibilities.”
McQueen agrees. “Responsible gambling programs go hand in hand with the very nature of lotteries, which were created to serve the public good by raising money for important causes,” she said. “For years, lotteries have taken the lead in this area across the broader gaming industry, using their visibility to educate the public about safe gambling practices – and importantly, where to get help when needed.”
“It truly is an unexpected honor and I thank the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling and its Executive Director, Mike Stone,” said McQueen. “At its core, writing is a way to share ideas that will hopefully inform or enrich the lives of others, so it’s very gratifying to know when those goals are realized through an award like this. I’m also grateful for the opportunities NASPL provides to keep the information flowing.”
The 2022 Award Ceremony will take place during KYCPG’s 25th Annual Educational and Awareness Conference, to be held in Owensboro, Kentucky, at the Holiday Inn Riverfront, March 10 and 11, 2022.
About NASPL
The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971. Evolving from an informal exchange of information among three pioneering lottery directors, the organization has grown into an active association representing 53 lottery organizations. NASPL’s basic mission is to assemble and disseminate information on the lottery industry through education and communications, and where appropriate publicly advocate the positions of the Association on matters of general policy.
Media contact:
David Gale, Executive Director
440-361-7962 or [email protected]
