Our annual summary of 2025’s outreach and services to those affected by problem gambling is summarized below in an infographic. For any questions about our services or the association of native casinos, contact president@rganm.org.
The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) has printed and distributed several thousand 2026 calendars featuring responsible gaming messaging paired with original student artwork. The calendars highlight the creativity of students from Mescalero Apache Middle School, while also reinforcing RGANM’s ongoing commitment to education, prevention, and community outreach across New Mexico.
This year’s calendar artwork was created entirely by Mescalero Apache Middle School students. While RGANM invited art teachers from other tribal and public schools across the state to participate in the 2026 calendar art contest, no additional submissions were received. RGANM hopes to continue expanding participation in future years to include more schools and student voices from across New Mexico.
Each month of the calendar showcases a unique piece of student artwork, celebrating young artists while promoting positive, responsible gaming awareness. The selected student artists for the 2026 calendar are:
- Cover: Kylena Chico, 8th grade
- January: Keira Apachito, 7th grade
- February: Teresa Bigmouth-Hill, 7th grade
- March: Christina Coonie, 8th grade
- April: Tanna Morgan, 7th grade
- May: Kyra King-Morgan, 8th grade
- June: Keylaira Rocha, 7th grade
- July: Mystery Forte, 8th grade
- August: Leoryana Peralto, 8th grade
- September: Leda Bob, 8th grade
- October: Lillian Hopkins, 8th grade
- November: Audrianna Valdez, 8th grade
- December: Amaylia Smith, 7th grade
The calendars will be used statewide as an educational resource, helping spread responsible gaming information while uplifting student creativity and cultural expression. Additional details about the 2026 calendar art contest and RGANM’s responsible gaming initiatives can be found at rganm.org/art-contest-for-2026-calendars.
If you would like a copy, please email president@rganm.org.
PeopleWorks-NM continues to make a lasting difference in addressing problem gambling throughout New Mexico, assisted by grant funding from the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM). From July through September 2025, the organization reached more than 385 individuals statewide through a combination of education, therapy, and outreach initiatives supported by funding from RGANM.
Through its Problem Gambling Program, PeopleWorksNM focuses on prevention and recovery by meeting individuals where they are—whether through community events, educational classes, or one-on-one counseling. During the third quarter of 2025, the organization offered online financial education classes to 30 participants from diverse backgrounds, helping attendees strengthen their budgeting skills and reduce financial pressures that can contribute to gambling behavior.
The team also provided therapy and consultation services for those struggling with gambling or gaming addiction, including 11 individual therapy sessions and the launch of an online reservation system to simplify access to confidential support.
As part of its statewide outreach, PeopleWorksNM staff visited seven northern New Mexico senior centers, seven churches in the Santa Fe area, and several youth and health events, including presentations at Navajo Nation Chapter Houses. A public service announcement was also developed to raise awareness of the connection between gaming and gambling behaviors.
To expand awareness even further, PeopleWorksNM engaged with the public through five gambling-related social media posts, newsletters, and a blog article titled “The Unexpected Ways We Gamble.”
By combining education, therapy, and community engagement, PeopleWorksNM continues to live its mission of People Helping People—empowering New Mexicans to recognize the risks of problem gambling and find hope through recovery.
Learn more about the program at peopleworksnm.org/problem-gambling-program.
RGANM Opens Grant Funding Cycle for Problem Gambling Awareness and Treatment
The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) has opened its 2025 grant funding cycle, offering opportunities for organizations across the state to receive support for problem gambling awareness, prevention, and treatment programs.
In past years, RGANM grants have supported a variety of organizations, including The Evolution Group, PeopleWorks, and the New Mexico Asian Family Center. These groups have used funding to provide counseling, education, and prevention services to individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
For 2025, eligible organizations—including mental health providers, college student groups, and nonprofit health organizations—are encouraged to submit proposals. Projects may include traditional addiction treatment services or innovative new approaches to educate about problem gambling, such as community events, campus-based prevention campaigns, or other creative ideas to raise awareness about problem gambling.
Funding Details
- Grants are available for up to $75,000.
- Proposals may be for new startup ideas or ongoing treatment services.
- Funding must be used for direct services such as prevention, education, counseling, or treatment of problem gambling (not administrative costs).
Application Requirements
Applicants should provide:
- Background information on the organization, its community, and the populations it serves.
- A detailed description of the proposed project, including budget, timeline, and expected impact.
- Accreditation or licenses held, key staff qualifications, and prior experience with problem gambling services.
- Plans for outreach and engagement, whether with the general public, youth, or specific community groups.
Organizations awarded funding will be asked to provide quarterly reports, attend an RGANM meeting, and participate in outreach activities such as Gambling Awareness Month or community events. Download the full grant proposal information here.
Deadline and How to Apply
All grant requests must be submitted on organizational letterhead and received electronically by December 5, 2025. Proposals should be sent to Shannon Dictson, smdictson@matgc.org
Ruidoso, NM — The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) participated in a day dedicated to health, empowerment, and community connection through its “Walk by the Lake: Walking for Empowerment” and Health & Wellness Fair at Grindstone Lake. The annual event brought together hundreds of participants, local healthcare partners, and community organizations with one shared mission—to promote healthy, balanced, and responsible living across New Mexico. Members of the Association distributed information about setting limits on gambling and the importance of responsible gambling, whether that’s at the casino, a sports bet, or online gaming.
Walking for Empowerment
The morning began with the Walk by the Lake, where 80 participants took part in an inspiring walk along the scenic Grindstone Lake Trail. The walk served as a symbol of both physical and emotional well-being, encouraging individuals to take active steps toward healthier lifestyles.
For RGANM, events like this go beyond exercise—they’re a reminder that responsible gaming starts with overall wellness. By focusing on physical activity, social connection, and mental health, participants learned that balance in everyday life contributes to balance in decision-making. The event encouraged everyone to take time for themselves, engage in healthy habits, and seek out resources that support both their physical and emotional well-being.
Community Health and Wellness in Action
Following the walk, the Health & Wellness Fair drew an impressive 706 visitors, each signing in to visit a diverse lineup of 83 community and healthcare booths. The fair provided access to valuable preventive health screenings, educational materials, and one-on-one support from professionals throughout New Mexico.
A wide range of local health partners offered free or low-cost services to attendees:
- Lincoln County Medical Center administered 82 flu vaccinations and completed 85 lipid and glucose screenings.
- Indian Health Services (IHS) provided 78 flu vaccinations, 45 COVID-19 vaccinations, and distributed 10 colon cancer screening kits.
- Assured Imaging’s Mammogram Coach helped 35 women receive essential mammogram screenings.
- United Blood Services collected blood donations from 40 generous participants, helping support hospitals statewide.
- New Mexico Lions KidSight performed vision screenings for 5 children and 4 adults, distributing 140 free glasses order forms to those in need.
- New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) conducted 16 STI tests, while UNM Truman Health Services performed 20 HIV and Hepatitis C screenings.
- PeopleWorks–NM offered mental health screenings and interventions, reminding attendees that emotional wellness is equally important as physical health.
Each organization played a vital role in expanding access to care and awareness of the many services available throughout New Mexico.
Promoting Responsible Choices and Healthy Lifestyles
The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico’s mission is to help individuals and communities understand that responsible gaming is part of a bigger picture—one that includes self-care, mental health, and community connection. By hosting the Walk by the Lake and Wellness Fair, RGANM continues to highlight the link between balanced living and making responsible choices, both in gaming and everyday life.
The event not only brought essential health resources to the Ruidoso community but also created opportunities for education and engagement. Visitors learned about healthy habits, preventive screenings, and local mental health resources—tools that empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Building a Healthier Future for New Mexico
The success of this year’s event reflects RGANM’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and public education. With hundreds of participants and dozens of organizations collaborating, the Walk by the Lake and Health & Wellness Fair showed the impact that collective effort can have on improving wellness and awareness statewide.
“We’re proud to see so many individuals and families come together in the spirit of health, connection, and empowerment,” said Shannon Dictson, President of the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico. “Our goal is to promote balance and responsibility—not only in gaming, but in every aspect of life.”
By working alongside healthcare partners, nonprofits, and tribal and state agencies, RGANM continues to provide resources that promote healthy lifestyles and responsible behaviors across New Mexico communities.
For more information about upcoming Responsible Gaming New Mexico events, educational resources, or support programs, follow the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico on social media.
Last week’s Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico Conference brought together professionals, tribal representatives, and community members from across the state to address the importance of responsible gaming and behavioral health support. As part of the event, we were honored to witness a beautiful performance by the Pueblo of Acoma Dance Group. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to an inspiring and impactful conference.
