Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots campaign held annually in March and fostered by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.
Problem gambling — also known as gambling disorder — is any gambling behavior that can harm a person’s wellbeing, relationships, or financial stability. Anyone who gambles can be affected. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health condition, and increased awareness helps reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help earlier. An estimated 5-8 million US adults are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems, while an estimated 2.5 million meet the criteria for severe gambling in a given year.(NCPG) Download the Problem Gambling Fact Sheet Below for more facts and warning signs of problem gambling.
Learn more about Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Gambling Disorder Screening Day (Screening Day) is a one-day event held annually on the second Tuesday of March. Screening Day addresses the imperative to detect gambling-related problems as early as possible, and all organizations and providers are encouraged to participate in this annual event. Visit the Cambridge Health Alliance Division of Addiction to learn more.
According the NCPG, the essential features of problem gambling are:
