The Minnesota Alliance for Problem Gambling and the Minnesota Lottery are partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
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 is defined as “gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives,” and it affects millions of Americans.
Roughly 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.
In Minnesota 250,000 adults and 6,000 high school students indicate problems with gambling.
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.
March will be an opportunity to prompt helpful conversations, according to Susan Sheridan Tucker of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling.
“During March we highlight specific issues relating to problem gambling — the need for health professionals to screen for this addiction, informing the public of free services available to those affected, and promote safer gambling messages,” Tucker said.
“Many Minnesotans still lack an understanding of problem gambling and the impact it has on family and friends. For every one gambler with an issue, eight to 10 others are negatively impacted.”
Minnesota Lottery Executive Director Adam Prock said he’s proud to help raise awareness about problem gambling.
“We want to make sure that if you, a family member or friend need help, there are gambling resources available through the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services,” Prock said.
“Treatment is available free of charge for qualifying individuals and their families throughout Minnesota.”
Visit www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs and www.mnapg.org, call 1-800-333-HOPE (4673) or text “HOPE” to 53342. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.
