March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling (WCPG), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). 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.

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 5-8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems. Over 333,000 Wisconsin residents have a gambling problem.

The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.

Throughout March, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling will host various activities to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling. Planned events include:

• The 26^th Annual Statewide Conference – “Traveling Into the Future through Awareness, Education, and Prevention.
• A Webinar: “National Initiatives and Local Action: Partnerships to Create Progress During PGAM”.
• A packet sent out to over 600 drinking establishments in the state of Wisconsin.

“Gambling disorders are often accompanied by substance abuse. Research shows that about 50% of all people with gambling disorders have had problems with alcohol or other drugs.” *Statistical information taken from the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling website.

The Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling encourages local media and community organizations to join this important conversation by sharing information and highlighting available resources.

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit http://www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs or https://www.wi-problemgamblers.org/.  

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-426-2535, Text at 1-850-888-4673 or Live Chat through the WCPG website at  www.wi-problemgamblers.org.