March is recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual event organized by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) based in Washington, DC. 

The NCPG is the sole national nonprofit in the country focused on reducing the economic and social impacts linked to gambling addiction. The organization remains neutral 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 recognized March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month since 2002. 

The focus for the 2025 observation is “Pursuing Insight.” The numerous events held during the month seek to raise awareness about problem gambling as a serious but frequently misinterpreted mental health issue. The aim is to enhance public awareness, eliminate obstacles to care, and promote candid discussions about the effects of problem gambling on individuals, families, and communities. 

In January, Keith Whyte, who had been the executive director of the NCPG for many years, stepped down. Nancy Green has been acting as interim director while a national search for Whyte's long-term replacement is ongoing. 

Growing Problem of Gambling 

Gambling is more prevalent than at any time in history, with casinos operating in nearly every state and sports betting permitted in 39 states plus Washington, DC. Though state governments are garnering higher tax revenue from gambling than at any time in the past, proponents of responsible gaming argue that the social issues linked to increased gambling are also escalating. 

The NCPG estimates that 2.5 million adults in the US 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 since many individuals who fit these criteria frequently conceal their issues. 

"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 issued proclamations declaring March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, namely Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 

Objectives for Raising Awareness of Problem Gambling 

A primary emphasis of the NCPG’s 2025 Problem Gambling Awareness Month is to prompt healthcare professionals to assess for gambling addictions. 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 general health assessments. 

The three questions are:

• During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
• During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
• 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 a “yes” response to any of the inquiries “indicates the individual is at risk of developing a gambling issue.”