March is recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a yearly event organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) located in Washington, DC. 

The NCPG is the only national nonprofit in the country focused on reducing the economic and social impacts related to gambling addiction. The organization remains impartial regarding legalized gambling, as it neither advocates for nor opposes its legalization. 

March is one of the most hectic periods for sports betting, with college basketball’s March Madness tournaments drawing nearly $3 billion in legal bets last year. Focusing on sports betting, the NCPG has commemorated its Problem Gambling Awareness Month each March since 2002. 

The focus for the 2025 observation is "Pursuing Comprehension." The various activities during the month are intended to raise awareness about problem gambling, which is a serious but frequently misinterpreted mental health issue. The aim is to enhance public awareness, eliminate obstacles to access, and promote honest discussions regarding the effects of problem gambling on people, families, and communities. 

In January, Keith Whyte, the executive director of the NCPG for many years, stepped down. Nancy Green has been acting as interim director while the search for Whyte’s permanent successor is ongoing. 

Gambling Addiction Increasing 

Gambling has become more prevalent than ever, with casinos present in nearly every state and sports betting permitted in 39 states and Washington, DC. Although state governments are generating higher tax revenues from gambling than ever, advocates for responsible gaming claim that the societal issues resulting from increased gambling are also growing. 

The NCPG estimates that 2.5 million adults in the United States experience a serious gambling issue, while an additional five to eight million adults encounter a mild to moderate gambling issue. Assessing these rates is challenging, as numerous individuals who fit these criteria frequently conceal their difficulties.

"Problem gambling is often described as a ‘hidden addiction,’ and with an estimated nine million Americans affected, the need for awareness and support has never been greater,” said Cait Huble, the NCPG’s communications director. “By fostering a deeper understanding of the issue, we can encourage empathy, reduce barriers to treatment, and provide support to those affected by gambling-related harm.”

Eight states have declared March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, these include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 

Objectives for Raising Awareness about Problem Gambling 

A key emphasis of the NCPG’s 2025 Problem Gambling Awareness Month is to motivate healthcare professionals to assess for gambling disorders. Created in collaboration with the Cambridge Health Alliance's Division on Addiction and Harvard Medical Hospital, the NCPG has released a brief, three-question survey that healthcare providers can incorporate into their routine health assessments. 

The three questions are:

1. During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
2. During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
3. During the past 12 months did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends, or welfare?

The NCPG states that answering “yes” to any of the questions indicates that the individual is at risk of developing a gambling issue.