1. Privacy and Information Collection
The Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) respects your privacy. We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide through our website, helpline, chat, text messaging, email, or requests for assistance. Information may be used to respond to inquiries, provide requested resources, coordinate referrals, improve services, generate aggregate statistics, and comply with applicable legal requirements.
2. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
LACG does not sell or rent personal information. Information is shared only as necessary to provide requested services, with authorized service providers subject to appropriate safeguards, with your permission when required, or as permitted or required by law. Disclosures may occur when necessary to address an imminent threat to life or safety or to meet applicable reporting obligations.
LACG takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information. Access is limited to authorized personnel with a legitimate need for the information.
3. SMS Messaging and Consent
LACG may use text messaging to respond to inquiries, provide requested information, and coordinate services when appropriate consent has been obtained. Mobile phone numbers and SMS consent information will not be sold, rented, or shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
Message frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or for assistance. Standard text messages may not be fully secure. Please avoid sending sensitive medical, counseling, or other confidential information by text unless an appropriate secure communication method has been established.
4. Protected Health Information
When applicable, LACG handles Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other applicable privacy and security requirements. Individuals may request alternative communication methods when available. Use of LACG's website, helpline, chat, or text services does not, by itself, establish a provider-patient relationship or guarantee legal confidentiality.
5. Cookies and External Links
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality, understand site usage, and improve the visitor experience. You may manage cookies through available website settings or your browser, although disabling certain cookies may affect functionality. Our website may link to external websites, which maintain their own privacy policies and practices.
6. Data Retention and Individual Rights
LACG retains information only as long as reasonably necessary for service delivery, operational purposes, recordkeeping, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements. Subject to applicable law, individuals may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their personal information by contacting LACG. Certain records may need to be retained to meet legal, regulatory, or clinical documentation requirements.
7. Helpline and Service Limitations
LACG provides problem gambling education, helpline support, information, and referrals. Helpline, chat, and text services are not a substitute for emergency services or professional healthcare treatment. For an emergency, call 911. For suicide or mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
8. Policy Updates and Contact Information
LACG may update this policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this website with the revised effective date.
For questions about this policy or requests concerning personal information, contact:
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG)
Email: lacg@helpforgambling.org
