The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) is commemorating Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March, alongside regulators of the gambling industry in several states across the country.
Back in March 2003, the NCPG observed the first Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), seeking to create awareness about the detection, prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling habits. Today, the decades-old commemoration is gaining more traction, with state regulatory agencies joining in the observance.
In a press release published on the NCPG website, the agency announced that the theme for the 2025 edition is “Seeking Understanding.” The NCPG hopes to spotlight problem gambling as a misunderstood mental health challenge without downplaying its severity.
According to the NCPG, the number of Americans battling mild to moderate levels of compulsive gambling range from 5 to 8 million. Some other 2.5 million players face more serious forms of problem gambling. The NCPG has further revealed that gambling addiction is a trigger for financial, emotional, and social problems.
Plans are underway for events that will mark the observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month this year. The NCPG will be hosting special events in collaboration with both local and national organizations.
Additionally, there will be conferences, workshops and advocacy efforts targeted at fulfilling the twin goals of PGAM, namely, “to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services, and to encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling.”
This year’s commemoration is expected to draw support from a wide range of industry stakeholders, with many of them already providing the much-needed contributions.
“Problem gambling is often described as a ‘hidden addiction,’ and with an estimated 9 million Americans affected, the need for awareness and support has never been greater. 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,” Cait Huble, Director of Communications for the NCPG said in a press release.
The NCPG has numerous resources for players struggling with compulsive gambling habits, including a promotional tool kit that will foster public awareness.
March is coincidentally the month when the NCAA Championships, one of the biggest sporting events in the country, kicks off. With bettors gearing up to support their favorite collegiate sports team, there’s no better time for state authorities to ramp up awareness of gambling addiction.
About eight states have confirmed that they will be observing the Problem Gambling Awareness Month, including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, and Ohio. Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin are the other states partaking in the PGAM.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people,” Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said in a news release published by the Arizona Department of Gaming. “As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness and ensuring that those struggling with problem gambling have access to the resources and support they need.
Notably, private institutions are partnering to raise awareness of problem gambling. The Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction, in conjunction with the NCPG has designated March 11 as Gambling Disorder Screening Day.
Similarly, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has launched a new campaign known as “Know Your Play.” The crusade is aimed at providing responsible gaming and financial literacy content to college-aged students.
“While previous programs have focused on student-athletes, our campaign intends to educate the broader student population about responsible gaming concepts that can help this age group set realistic expectations and see gaming as a form of entertainment, not as a way of making money,” ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley revealed.