News

March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

For a 16th year, Missouri contributes "Awareness + Action" to an annual, nationwide effort to raise recognition of problem gambling and inform the public on the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery resources. The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (Alliance) is proud to continue its support of the National Council on Problem Gambling's (NCPG) Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

For many individuals, gambling is a hidden addiction, as there are few outward signs or physical symptoms. However, problem gambling can have major negative mental, social and financial impacts on both the individual suffering the gambling problem as well as their loved ones. According to the NCPG, approximately two million U.S. adults meet the criteria for pathological gambling, while four to six million are considered problem gamblers. 

Problem gambling is a behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable urge to gamble, characterized by an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, "chasing" losses and a loss of control.

To support the campain and raise awareness around the availability of free help in Missouri, the Alliance has created a new public service announcement (PSA). The PSA will be distributed via radio and TV across the state, and it can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzVa91GmQnE. The Alliance hopes to educate Missourians about the signs of problem gambling and the availability of year round, 24/7 help through the 1-888-BETSOFF service. 

To access free help from licensed professionals, please call 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), email freehelp@888betsoff.org or visit 888betsoff.org. The Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery both offer their own voluntary, self-exclusion lists for problem gamblers. More information can be found at 888betsoff.org, ncpgambling.org and gamblersanonymous.org.