RGANM Opens Grant Funding Request for Proposals

Oct 31, 2025 | Problem Gambling, RGANM In The News

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

A Great Day of Wellness and Empowerment with the RGANM

Oct 23, 2025 | Problem Gambling

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.

Art Contest for 2026 Calendars

Mar 1, 2025 | Problem Gambling, RGANM In The News

June 2025: Our deadline for submissions of artwork has been extended to Oct. 24, 2025.

As part of the outreach for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) is sponsoring an art contest for New Mexico students in grades 6 through 12 to help educate their peers about the risks of underage gambling and the potential for harm. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, between 60 to 80 percent of high school students report having gambled for money in the past year and 4-6% meet the criteria of a problem gambler.

Artwork should be on 8.5×11 white paper in a horizontal format. See the criteria here. It should illustrate a message of education or prevention. Submitted artwork will be evaluated for use in a 2026 calendar that RGANM will print and distribute. Thirteen submissions will be chosen for the calendar’s cover and 12 months; the winning cover design will receive a $100 gift card and each winner for a monthly page will receive a $50 gift card.

The student’s name, grade level and school should be included on the back of the artwork, as well as a valid phone number and email. Submissions can be made to smdictson@matgc.org. For more information, call 575- 464-7106. The deadline for submissions is Oct 24, 2025. Calendars will be available by December of 2025 for distribution. Details of the distribution will be announced on our website.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Feb 28, 2025 | Problem Gambling, RGANM In The News

The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the 22nd such anniversary. Across New Mexico, RGANM offers year-round outreach, prevention, and treatment for those affected by problem gambling. It’s estimated that about 2 million adults nationally meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. In March 2025, RGANM is also launching a student art contest to provide artwork for an upcoming 2026 educational calendar.

“In the last year, we have seen a rise in sports betting, both at some New Mexico casinos as well as online apps. The penetration of online gaming in both adults and youth is also increasing,” said Shannon Dictson, the association’s president and the coordinator of the Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program in Mescalero, New Mexico. “Requests for help on our website increased in 2024 as did calls to our free and confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by counselors trained in problem gambling treatment.”

March is not only Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it is also when the annual college basketball tournament is held. Americans are expected to wager more than $3 Billion dollars on the March Madness tournament, with players making bets in Las Vegas, online gaming, sportsbooks, and office pools. It was estimated that for the recent NFL Super Bowl, Americans wagered $1.39 Billion dollars, according to the American Gaming Association.

“Gambling has become pervasive across the United States in the last few years,” said Dictson. “In New Mexico, the collaboration of Native American tribes that formed the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico before casinos even opened in 1997 knew that help would be needed. RGANM provides many helpful resources, including free treatment, that are available for the gambler and their family. We hold an annual August seminar for treatment providers, which helps educate them on the latest research and options to help problem gamblers and run public service announcements on how to find help.”

Our website provides more information and resources for treatment providers can be found at RGANM.org or by calling the RGANM Helpline at 888-696-2440. Nationwide statistics and resources can be found on the NCPG website at ncpgambling.org.

2024 Infographic

Jan 29, 2025 | RGANM In The News

Our annual summary of 2024’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.