What & when is Problem Gambling Awareness Month? PGAM 2025

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March. Established in 2003 by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), PGAM aims to increase public awareness about problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery services. The 2025 campaign marks the 22nd year of this initiative and carries the theme "Seeking Understanding," which focuses on fostering empathy and breaking down barriers to treatment.

PGAM was initiated by the NCPG, a leading organization advocating for programs and policies that mitigate gambling-related harm. Over the years, PGAM 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 falls on March 11, 2025. This initiative, a partnership between the NCPG and Cambridge Health Alliance, provides healthcare professionals with resources to effectively screen individuals for gambling disorders.

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

And while these figures do not directly correlate, the final tally on 2024 revenue figures from casinos and sportsbooks speaks to the striking popularity of gambling, which indirectly creates more problem gambling. By November of 2024, iGaming revenue reached $7.61 billion – a 29% increase compared to the same month the previous year. Licensed sportsbooks across 33 reporting markets combined to generate nearly $150 billion in handle and more than $14.2 billion in revenue.   

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:

• Obsession with gambling – completely preoccupied and constantly talking and thinking about betting.

• Irritability or restlessness – Repeated attempts to control, cut down or quit gambling are thwarted due to withdrawal symptoms.

• Increased unit sizes – like substance abuse, the highs may begin to disappear when gambling with small unit sizes, so bettors up the ante. 

• 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.

• 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.  

• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to gambling.

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:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

• Take a Free Self-Assessment