March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Norman, OK — The Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. In Oklahoma, 200,000 adults (6.3%) adults are estimated to meet the criteria for gambling disorder. Another 700,000 adults (23.5%) are experiencing harm from gambling and are at-risk for developing gambling disorder. Taken together, almost 1 million Oklahomans (29.8%) are in need of some form of harm prevention, intervention, or treatment.
“Oklahoma has one of the highest prevalence rates for problem gambling in the country, but our community isn’t defined by its challenges. We are defined by how we respond, and we are proud of the collaboration between the many individuals and groups that address problem gambling. When we come together with compassion, understanding, and proactive solutions, we can effectively address gambling-related harm and help shape stronger futures,” said Dr. Wiley Harwell, executive director of OAPGG.
A Community-Driven Approach to Awareness and Support
Throughout March, OAPGG will lead efforts focused on increasing public understanding of problem gambling and ensuring individuals are aware of the available prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services in their community. Activities will include:
● Annual Statewide Conference on Problem Gambling – The full day conference will feature two internationally recognized speakers as well as a recovery panel and offers an opportunity to connect with others in the field.
● Public Awareness Campaign – OAPGG will share educational content on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
● Basic Training for Problem Gambling – Held over four days in March and April, the basic training will provide insight into the diagnosis and treatment of gambling disorder, as well as current issues such as video gaming, sports betting, and prediction markets. Counselors, peer support specialists, prevention specialists, and others in the field are invited for free.
These efforts reflect a simple truth: when community comes together — friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers — silence is replaced with support, and isolation is replaced with connection. To learn more about problem gambling, please visit NCPGambling.org/FAQs
OAPGG encourages local media, partners, and residents to join the effort by sharing resources, uplifting stories of those in recovery, and helping connect people to available support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, the National Problem Gambling HelplineTM offers free, confidential support 24/7:
Call 1-800-MY-RESET.
Text 800GAM.
Chat at www.1800myreset.org/chat.