March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Did you know? An estimated 2.5 million US adults meet the criteria for severe gambling problems in a given year, while as many as 8 million experience problems due to their gambling behavior.

Every March, COCA recognizes Gambling Awareness Month, to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of support.  

CLICK HERE to read about the Online Gambling Epidemic.

Know the signs

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, warning signs of problem gambling include:

• Thinking about gambling all the time. 
• Feeling the need to bet more money and more often. 
• Going back to try to win your money back (“chasing losses”). 
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down. 
• Feeling like you can’t control yourself. 
• Gambling despite negative consequences.  
• In extreme cases, problem gambling can cause bankruptcy, legal problems, losing your job or your family, and thinking about suicide. 

Read the latest issue of the SOS Berks magazine The Response

The Winter/Spring 2025 issue of The Response focuses on technology addiction, gaming, gambling and digital citizenry.

CLICK HERE to read The Response online

March 11 is Gambling Disorder Screening Day

Gambling Disorder Screening Day (Screening Day) is a one-day event held annually on the second Tuesday of March, during Gambling Awareness Month. On this date, providers are encouraged to screen their clients for a gambling disorder. Early identification can facilitate intervention and treatment.

Learn more

Click here to Learn more about problem gambling and help available.

Download the PGAM-2025-Problem-Gambling-Fact-Sheet