What & when is Problem Gambling Awareness Month? PGAM 2026
Published:
Mar 3, 2026
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12:29 p.m.
ET
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March. Established in 2003 by the National Council on Problem Gambling, PGAM aims to increase public awareness about problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery services. The 2026 campaign carries the theme “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures” to help emphasize the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. Shame and stigma are often barriers to care for those impacted by problem gambling, so this aims to replace silence with support and isolation with connection.
PGAM was initiated by the NCPG, a leading organization advocating for programs and policies that mitigate gambling-related harm. Over the years, Problem Gambling Awareness Month has grown into a broad coalition involving state affiliates, healthcare providers, recovery groups and industry stakeholders. The campaign encourages communities across the country to participate in awareness-building activities, screenings and education efforts.
One of the signature events of PGAM is Gambling Disorder Screening Day, which this year falls on March 10, 2026. This initiative provides healthcare professionals with resources to effectively screen individuals for gambling disorder.
What does Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) entail?
The first initiative where PGAM engages the public is awareness campaigns – social media, public service announcements, and informational events to spread awareness about problem gambling and its consequences. Another element is healthcare involvement – encouraging doctors, therapists and addiction specialists to screen patients for gambling-related issues.
Of course, there are educational events as well. Webinars, community forums and training sessions inform the public and professionals about problem gambling and available treatments.
Many states and advocacy groups host local events to engage their communities in the conversation about responsible gambling. The NCPG also provides a PGAM Toolkit, offering resources that help organizations and individuals participate effectively in the awareness campaign.
Why PGAM is critically important
Despite its increasing prevalence, problem gambling remains a largely misunderstood mental health condition. Many individuals do not recognize the warning signs until significant harm has been done.
With that in mind, PGAM helps shine a light on and destigmatize an issue that often goes unrecognized. Further, PGAM fosters early intervention for gambling addiction, potentially preventing financial, emotional and familial devastation.
PGAM educates both the general public and healthcare professionals about available treatment options, encourages legislative and policy discussions that can lead to better regulations and safeguards and promotes a community-driven approach, enlisting the support of family, friends and workplaces in addressing gambling addiction.
Problem Gambling statistics and trends
Recent data highlights the growing concern surrounding problem gambling. In New Jersey, for example, 6% of the population meets the criteria for severe problem gambling, double the national average. Young men (18-20 years old) are especially vulnerable, with addiction rates over 10%. While gambling addiction in women cannot be ignored, in general, it’s more often that men meet criteria for gambling addiction – men (69%) gamble around twice as much as women (36%) in the United States.
Nationally, research suggests that 1-2% of the U.S. adult population struggles with gambling addiction, equating to 2-4 million people. Another 3-5% (5-9 million individuals) are classified as at-risk gamblers. States such as Massachusetts (8.4% at-risk gamblers) and Nebraska (over 15%) have seen significant increases in problematic gambling behavior since legalizing sports betting.
Several states have also seen calls to their gambling helplines increase at alarming rates. From 2019-2023, Virginia experienced a 973% rise in helpline calls. From 2022-23 in Ohio, there was a 227% increase in gambling-related distress calls. In Florida, there was a 138% jump in helpline outreach within two months, and in Massachusetts there was a 121% rise in calls between July 2022 and June 2023
Problem Gambling warning signs
PGAM is all about early intervention, and recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling is crucial for that. Some common red flags include:
Inability to cut back or stop
Chasing losses – losing is part of the game, but a sign of a potential spiral comes when bettors attempt to make back their losses, which can create a never-ending game of chase.
Preoccupation with gambling – constantly thinking or talking about betting.
Irritability or restlessness when trying to cut back or quit – Repeated attempts to control, cut down or quit gambling are thwarted due to these withdrawal symptoms.
Increased risk levels – tolerance can develop, resulting in larger bets to reach the same excitement level.
Gambling as an escape – personal problems like work or relationship stress can motivate individuals to locate an easy-access escape like gambling from their phone.
Negative impacts on other parts of life such as work, school or family due to gambling.
Hiding or lying about gambling, or needing to borrow money to support the habit or pay off debts.
Problem Gambling resources, support and treatment
Perhaps learning about and spreading awareness of Problem Gambling Awareness Month can be a helpful first step, but if you or someone you know needs help with their gambling behaviors, specialized help is available.
Telehealth gambling addiction care allows access to providers that may be difficult in an individual's location. Birches Health offers insurance-covered therapy that can take place through chat, video or phone and enables someone to get help from the comfort of their own home.
Here are some options for getting started with Birches:
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com
