Gambling Disagrees With You

Gambling can make you feel good. But eventually? It’s quite the opposite.

Public Health

The gap

All across the US, gambling is huge, along with the budgets to promote it. The Nebraska Problem Gamblers Assistance Program offers help for people who struggle with problem gambling. But many people who could use their services were not reaching out.

The research

Industry advertising paints an image of gambling that’s all about fun and games. And that puts gamblers who may have a problem out of the picture. People need to recognize the symptoms of problem gambling before it ruins their lives.

The strategy

Pay attention to how gambling makes you really feel.

The creative

Gambling disagrees with you.

The results

More than 13M impressions
More than 328k combined clicks
25% increase in clients using program services

A bus stop ad at night shows a cartoon Jack of Clubs vomiting chips and dice, with the text, "DOES GAMBLING DISAGREE WITH YOU?" and a Nebraska problem gambling helpline. Illustration of the Jack of Clubs card with the figure's mouth open, emitting a bright green, cartoonish stream resembling vomit. A billboard at a bus stop reads, "Does gambling disagree with you? Help is here," with a melting dice illustration and a website for gambling assistance in Nebraska. A football player stands on the field in front of a crowd and a stadium sign that reads, "WIN OR LOSE, DOES GAMBLING MAKE YOU QUEASY?. A person views a scoreboard displaying Nebraska and Michigan logos, with an anti-gambling advertisement reading "GAMBLING DISAGREES WITH YOU.COM" below. A basketball court with a shot clock reading 30 and a backboard; scoreboard and gambling awareness signs are visible above a crowd of spectators. A booth with a blue tablecloth labeled "Does gambling disagree with you?" is staffed by two women at an indoor event attended by people in red clothing. A person sits at a desk using a laptop, reading a webpage about counseling services. A cup and desk lamp are nearby, creating a dimly lit environment. A digital questionnaire titled "Gambling Disagreement Screener" asks if the user thinks about gambling too much, with YES and NO buttons for response.