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Published on: March 6, 2026, 02:12h.
Updated on: March 6, 2026, 02:12h.
March serves as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an initiative promoted annually by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) based in Washington, DC.
According to NCPG, Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative designed to boost public awareness of gambling-related issues and to encourage prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
The 2026 theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” underscores the vital role of community involvement in raising awareness about problem gambling and offering support.
“As communities unite — from friends and families to educators, healthcare providers, local organizations, and policymakers — silence gives way to support, and isolation transforms into connection,” states the campaign website.
The NCPG urges all stakeholders in the gaming industry, including state and local gaming regulators and operators, to actively participate in promoting Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The only national nonprofit focused on reducing gambling-related harm offers various resources, including press release templates and social media assets, available on its website.
Healthcare Integration
With gambling accessibility at an all-time high, nearly every state—except for Alaska, Hawaii, and Utah—offers some legal form of gambling, such as casinos, iGaming, sports betting, parimutuel betting, or lotteries.
Given the record levels of American participation in gambling, the NCPG believes it is crucial for primary care providers to routinely discuss gambling activities with their patients. One of the key objectives of Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2026 is to motivate healthcare professionals to screen for potential gambling disorders.
“Most Americans acknowledge gambling addiction as a valid behavioral health concern,” stated Heather Maurer, Executive Director of the NCPG. “The next crucial step is to ensure our public health systems, policies, and preventive measures reflect this acknowledgment.”
On Tuesday, March 10, the NCPG will conduct Gambling Disorder Screening Day. In collaboration with the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction, complimentary online screenings will be available via its website. Individuals can opt for self-assessment or connect with a healthcare provider online.
“Gambling disorder leads to significant financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical consequences, yet numerous cases remain undetected due to insufficient assessment. Screening Day aims to address the need for early detection of gambling-related issues, and the Division encourages all organizations and providers to engage in this annual initiative,” the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction commented.
Escalating Losses and Problem Gambling Issues
In the previous year, gamblers in the United States recorded staggering losses amounting to $78.7 billion to commercial operators. This figure represents revenue from commercial (non-tribal) casinos, racetracks, sports betting, and iGaming, excluding lottery revenues.
According to researchers from the University of California, San Diego, Qualcomm Institute School of Medicine, the rapid rise of legal sports betting has led to a marked increase in gambling-related problems. Their study revealed a 23% uptick in online searches for gambling addiction help between 2018 and 2024.
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