The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) kicks off Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March, coinciding with the NCAA Championships and drawing support from state regulators nationwide.
Key Takeaways:
- NCPG’s 2025 theme is ‘Seeking Understanding,’ focusing on problem gambling as a mental health challenge
- 5 to 8 million Americans face mild to moderate gambling issues, with 2.5 million experiencing severe problems
- States and private organizations are launching initiatives to spread awareness and provide support
NCPG Spearheads Awareness Campaign
The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) is leading the charge in observing Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) this March. The initiative, which began in 2003, aims to shed light on the detection, prevention, and treatment of compulsive gambling habits.
This year’s theme, ‘Seeking Understanding,’ emphasizes problem gambling as a complex mental health issue. The NCPG reports that between 5 and 8 million Americans struggle with mild to moderate gambling problems, while 2.5 million face more severe issues.
Cait Huble, Director of Communications for the NCPG, stated, ‘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.’
State Regulators Join the Effort
Eight states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin, have confirmed their participation in PGAM. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, ‘Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people.’
Private Sector Initiatives
Private organizations are also stepping up to address problem gambling. The Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction and the NCPG have designated March 11 as Gambling Disorder Screening Day. Additionally, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has launched the ‘Know Your Play’ campaign, targeting college-aged students with responsible gaming and financial literacy content.
Dr. Jennifer Shatley, ROGA Executive Director, explained, ‘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.’
NCPG’s Comprehensive Approach
The NCPG plans to host special events in collaboration with local and national organizations throughout March. These will include conferences, workshops, and advocacy efforts aimed at increasing public awareness of problem gambling and available support services.
For those seeking help, the NCPG offers various resources, including a promotional toolkit to foster public awareness. As the NCAA Championships approach, these initiatives serve as a timely reminder of the importance of responsible gambling practices.
