March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March Marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the US

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 10 March 2025

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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Amidst March Madness

March Madness is officially in full swing, and it is expected that 68 million Americans will be betting on this year’s tournament. It’s no coincidence that this month is designed as a gambling awareness month to help people understand gambling behavior patterns and risks.

The NCPG started this initiative in 2002. They are the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to minimizing the economic and social costs associated with problem gambling and gambling addiction. They focus on prevention, treatment and recovery services. The NCPG is neutral in its stance on legalizing gambling.

Seeking Understanding

The theme for this year’s problem gambling awareness month is ‘Seeking Understanding’. The NCPG wants to increase awareness of problem gambling as a serious mental health condition that is often misunderstood.

The aim is to foster a deeper understanding of the issue and encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected.

Problem Gambling is on the Rise

Gambling is more available and widespread than ever. Sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington DC, while casinos are in all barring a few states. Although the various governments are generating more tax from gambling than ever, we are also seeing an increase in harm that gambling is causing.

The NCPG estimates that 2.5 million adults in the United States suffer from a severe gambling problem, while 5 to 8 million adults have a moderate addiction.

Problem gambling is often described as a ‘hidden addiction,’ and with an estimated 9 million Americans affected, the need for awareness and support has never been greater,

said Cait Huble, the NCPG’s communications director.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, we can encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.

Goals for Problem Gambling Awareness

The main goal of this year’s initiative is to increase awareness of problem gambling as a serious health condition that many people don’t understand. The NCPG hopes to increase understanding and empathy and provide support to those with an addiction.

The organization does this is by running regular awareness campaigns and educational programs. The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) is a confidential resource that is available connecting individuals with local support and help.

In the future, the NCPG hopes to drive positive change and mitigate gambling related harm. We will see the organization continuously strive to protect and support individuals, advocate for policy changes and raise awareness about the impacts of problem gambling.