News Release: Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Contact:
Susan Sheridan Tucker
sstucker@mnapg.org
612-424-8595 x1

Roseville, Minn. (March 3, 2025) - The Minnesota Alliance for Problem Gambling (MNAPG) and the Minnesota Lottery in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

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, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 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.

The annual observance of 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.

Throughout March the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling will host various activities to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling. Planned events include:

Increase public awareness through a new public service announcement “The Elephant in the Room”
Present at Anoka Ramsey County Community College on March 6
Host an open house at Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling offices at 1935 County Road B2 West in Roseville on March 20 at 1-3 p.m.
Exhibit and present at the Minnesota Social Service Association Annual Conference on March 28

“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 as excitement builds for the annual college basketball tournament,” said Susan Sheridan Tucker of Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. “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, 8-10 others are negatively impacted. Drawing attention to this addiction in March particularly around a well-loved national sporting event helps to increase awareness.”

“We’re proud to partner with the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling to raise awareness about problem gambling,” said Minnesota Lottery Executive Director Adam Prock. “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. Treatment is available free of charge for qualifying individuals, and their families, throughout Minnesota.”

Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling encourages local media and community organizations to join this important conversation by sharing information and highlighting available resources.

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs and www.mnapg.org.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling at 1-800-333-HOPE (4673) or text “HOPE” to 53342. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

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About Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling

Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) is a nonprofit, gambling-neutral organization dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans affected by problem gambling. A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, MNAPG is funded by membership fees, financial and in-kind donations, and state and private grants. MNAPG serves as Minnesota’s affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling.

About the Minnesota State Lottery

Since 1990, the lottery has generated more than $4 billion for programs that positively impact the lives of Minnesotans. More than $1.7 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Game and Fish Fund and the Natural Resources Fund. Another $2.3 billion has helped fund state programs, including education, public safety and health and human services. Lottery dollars also support programs to help prevent and treat problem gambling. For more information visit www.mnlottery.com.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.