March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month( PGAM), a nationwide campaign that seeks to increase knowledge about the risks of problem gambling, how to gamble safely, and how to get help if you need it. For 2025 / 2026, the focus is on“ Seeking Understanding”. Understanding begins with a simple conversation. A good place to start is by asking yourself: What do I know about problem gambling?

It’ s not just a big city issue- according to Kentucky. gov:

Nearly 80 % of Kentucky adults gamble annually, with

roughly 2.5 million residents participating.

25 % of Kentucky high school seniors have gambled for money or possessions.

Following the 2023 legalization of sports betting, helpline calls have more than doubled.

Problem gambling – sometimes called gambling harm or gambling disorder – occurs when a person loses control over their gambling or continues to gamble despite negative consequences. These consequences can be financial, emotional, social or

physical, and they often build up quietly over time. It is sometimes called the“ hidden addiction” because it can be difficult to see the signs until the problem is severe. Approximately 1-4 % of U. S. adults( approximately 2.5-8 million people) experience problem gambling, but many never seek help and may even hide the problem from their family and friends. This can lead to a mental health crisis, including suicidal thoughts.

When does it become a problem?

For many people,

gambling can be a fun activity. From lottery tickets and sports betting to casinos and online games, most people gamble occasionally for entertainment and never experience serious harm. For others, it may look and feel different, shifting from a harmless pastime into a serious problem that affects not only the gambler, but their family, friends and the wider community.

Problem gambling is not just about how often someone gambles or how much money they spend. Instead, it’ s about how gambling affects a person’ s