Each year, March marks the annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month – a campaign from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the gaming industry, state health agencies, and a wide range of recovery groups and healthcare organizations to increase awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the country.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is designed to coincide with the popular collegiate basketball tournament series known as March Madness, during which Americans are expected to wager over $3 billion.
What is problem gambling, and what support is there?
Betting, gaming, wagering – gambling is common in Illinois, and it can take many forms. And for some people, gambling may not be just a pastime. It can lead to financial problems, relationship problems, depression, and anxiety, and become a serious problem.
But you don’t have to feel out of control. Problem gambling can be managed and treated. You have options, and the Illinois Helpline offers information, support, and program referrals through the Are You Really Winning program.
How you can get involved in the next PGAM
- Join the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG), share about the ICPG mission to increase public awareness and support for gambling disorder, or donate to ICPG to help further their impact.
- Explore the PGAM Event Calendar to learn more about events being held by participants in Illinois and across the country.
- Use the PGAM hashtag (i.e., #PGAM2023) to help us promote Problem Gambling awareness on social media, and click here to access the 2023 Problem Gambling Awareness Toolkit.
- Get inspired by community artwork. In 2023, Are You Really Winning? invited Illinois artists over 21 to participate in this statewide campaign through the submission of artwork meant to bring a powerful voice to problem gambling issues and motivate those afflicted with gambling addiction to seek help. Click here to see more information on submissions and winners.