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March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). The annual observance provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment and recovery.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5 to 8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.

This year's theme, "Seeking Understanding," focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. Calls made from a Missouri area code are automatically redirected to Missouri based 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633) services. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

In addition, the Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery each offer a voluntary program for individuals to opt out of legalized gambling activities in Missouri.

Additional problem gambling resources can be found at www.ncpgambling.org, 888betsoff.org and gamblersanonymous.org.