A host of lotteries and gaming operators across the US are backing Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March.
In 2003, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) established Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Since then, the campaign has grown into a movement, bringing together state organizations, healthcare providers, and industry leaders to tackle the issue head-on.
🫂 The Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona Lottery, and the National Council of Problem Gambling Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Help is available, and it works.
Full news release here: https://t.co/6AAM4Qakj5#PGAM2025 pic.twitter.com/yCxU2uxZcc
— Arizona Department of Gaming (@AzGaming) March 3, 2025
What is the purpose of Problem Gambling Awareness Month?
The initiative lines up with the NCPG theme for the year, “Seeking Understanding.” The focus is on raising awareness that problem gambling is a serious mental health issue, even though it’s often misunderstood.
Governor Mike DeWine has declared March to be Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This month serves as an opportunity to raise awareness, educate the public, and highlight critical prevention and treatment resources. #PGAM2025 pic.twitter.com/37eJo8PhnU
— OhioMHAS (@OhioMHAS) March 3, 2025
The goal of PGAM is to help more people recognize problem gambling and know that there are prevention, treatment, and recovery services available. It’s also about encouraging healthcare providers to screen their clients for gambling-related issues so those who need help can get the support they deserve.
The PGAM states on their website: “By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, we can encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.”
Why does gambling cause stress, and what is problem gambling?
According to PGAM, problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or gambling disorder, happens when gambling starts to negatively impact a person’s life, relationships, or career. It’s a recognized mental health condition, and anyone who gambles can be at risk. While financial loss is often a concern, it’s not the only warning sign. Gambling becomes a problem when it interferes with daily life.
Governor Hochul Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Monthhttps://t.co/gkKvj9YZ77
— NYS Gaming Commission (@NYSGamingComm) March 3, 2025
Around 2.5 million US adults (1%) are said to have a severe gambling disorder, while another 5-8 million (2-3%) struggle with milder forms. However, most adults who gamble do so responsibly. The PGAM reports that about 85% of US adults have gambled at least once, and 60% within the past year. ReadWrite reported that 10% of young men in the country displayed behavior indicating a gambling problem, compared to just 3% of the general population.
Legal gambling is currently available in 48 states (excluding Hawaii and Utah), and problem gambling carries a hefty price tag. The estimated national social cost is reported to be $14 billion annually.
The NCPG estimates that the annual national social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion. These costs include gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending, as well as job loss, bankruptcy, and other consequences. The estimate was based on the formula developed by research from the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission and updated to account for inflation and the current U.S. adult population as of December 2023.
Problem gambling warning signs
Signs of problem gambling can include constantly thinking about gambling, feeling the need to bet more money more often, and chasing losses to try to win back what’s been lost. Many people struggling with gambling find it hard to stop, feeling restless or irritable when they try to cut back. It can feel like gambling is out of their control, even when it’s causing serious problems in their life.
In extreme cases, problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, legal trouble, job loss, broken relationships, and even thoughts of suicide.
Support and resources
If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem and are based in the US, you can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. The service is free and confidential and is available 24/7. They are also available online at www.ncpgambling.org/chat. Find more resources at our dedicated page.
Featured image: Canva
