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Problem Gambling Awareness Month – Initiatives and Support Systems
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is held annually in March and aims to increase public awareness of the topic. Various initiatives promote prevention and gambling addiction treatment during these four weeks.
Organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the PGAM connects industry representatives, healthcare providers, and individuals, educating them on recognizing signs of compulsive behavior.
What Is Problem Gambling Awareness Month?
In 2003, the NCPG established the first Problem Gambling Awareness Month and has organized it every year since. Previous editions have been very successful, bringing together stakeholders, public health organizations, and gambling operators through educational events.
In 2019, the NCPB launched the campaign under the “Have the Conversation” theme, during which the National Problem Gambling Helpline received more calls in March than any other month.
It’s not a coincidence that the PGAM aligns with the NCAA March Madness. Online gambling is more accessible than ever. Over the last few years, more US states have loosened their regulations and legalized casino and sports betting sites. That’s why the NCPG collaborates with sports organizations, educational institutions, and media outlets to promote its messages.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March, that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
National Council on Problem Gambling
During National Gambling Awareness Month, players can take advantage of free screening. For the Gambling Disorder Screening Day on March 11, the NCPG partners with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction. Everyone interested can download a screening day toolkit with resources on the division’s official website.
National Gambling Awareness Month – Theme & Schedule for 2025
Various events will be held during the month dedicated to gambling addiction awareness. This year’s theme is “Seeking Understanding” and focuses on the fact that problem gambling is often misunderstood but is, indeed, a serious mental health condition.
The PGAM calendar includes webinars, workshops, and symposiums open to the public. Private discussions with gambling treatment professionals will also be accessible, but keep in mind that most events require a ticket or booking a spot in advance.
| PGAM Event | Date | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Disorder Screening Day | March 11, 2025 | NCPG partners with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction to provide healthcare professionals with the proper resources to effectively screen people for gambling addiction. |
| Problem Gambling Awareness Table Setup in Nebraska State Capitol Rotunda | March 24 – March 28, 2025, All day | Visitors can find information on problem gambling prevention, screening tools, and treatment professionals. |
| Southeast Community College – Beatrice Problem Gambling Screening Event | March 25, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | A theatrical program to raise awareness of problem gambling through monologues. |
| Pennsylvania PGAM Information Table | March 26, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Organized by the PA Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, the PGCB, the PA Lottery, and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA. |
| Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2025 Symposium | March 26, 2025, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm | The event’s theme is “Seeking Understanding” and is organized by the Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) and Gateway Foundation. |
| SCC-Lincoln Problem Gambling Screening Event | March 26, 2025, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Information on problem gambling prevention, screening tools, and discussions with treatment professionals will be available. |
| State of the State: Addressing Problem Gambling in Pennsylvania | March 27, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am | An educational workshop that aims to explain the potential impact of gambling, identify protections, and raise awareness of local resources. |
| Beyond the Bracket: Understanding the Impact of Gambling Addiction on Mental Health | March 27, 2025, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Organized by the NCPB and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event will focus on the critical intersection between gambling addiction and mental health. |
| Surrender: Short Film Screening | March 28, 2025, 8:30 pm – 11:00 pm | A free event presented by the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC). Light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. |
| Managing the Growing Demands of Responsible Gambling in 2025 | March 31, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am | A webinar that will focus on responsible gambling from a regulatory perspective. |
During these events, experts will share insights on addiction, harm reduction, prevention, and recovery. Participants will also hear personal stories from individuals who have experienced addiction and will be able to connect with community organizations that provide support.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling addiction awareness is important so everyone can recognize the signs in themselves or a loved one. A gambling disorder is a behavior that is damaging to you or your family, often disrupting your personal or work life. Here are the signs you need to look out for:
- Not being able to stop thinking about gambling.
- Hiding or lying about your gambling habits.
- Trying to win your money back.
- Losing control over yourself and your emotions.
- Feeling irritable when trying to stop betting.
- Betting more money than you can afford despite negative consequences.
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities.
Don’t hesitate to seek support if you notice any of these signs in yourself, a friend, or a family member. We have prepared a quick 2-minute self-assessment test to help you evaluate your playing habits and make better choices.
Resources and Support
Recognizing the signs of compulsive gambling is important not only during National Gambling Awareness Month. Fortunately, thanks to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, US residents can access 24/7 assistance. For immediate support, call 1-800-GAMBLER, and you’ll be connected with trained professionals ready to guide you.
In addition to the national hotline, gambling support is available through various online and in-person community services. Local responsible gaming organizations, such as the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey or the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, provide free resources.
On the NCPG’s official site, you can check these organizations by state. Besides, all licensed casinos and sports betting platforms are also required to spread online gambling awareness messages. Their websites provide helpful tools like deposit limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion programs.
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