Editor’s note: Birches Health is a leading national provider of Problem Gambling treatment and Responsible Gaming resources, offering specialized support from the comfort of home, covered by insurance.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), an annual campaign that aims to shine a nationwide spotlight on the potential negative effects of gambling and sports betting. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) established Problem Gambling Awareness Month in 2003 to increase public awareness about problem gambling, while promoting prevention, treatment and recovery services.

The theme of PGAM this year is “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” to help emphasize the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. These communities include state organizations, healthcare providers, local support services and industry stakeholders like the PGA TOUR, whose combined efforts have grown Problem Gambling Awareness Month into a major movement. Shame and stigma are often present in those impacted by problem gambling, so this community aims to replace silence with support and isolation with connection.

An important event within Problem Gambling Awareness Month is “Gambling Disorder Screening Day,” which will be held on Tuesday, March 10. The goal that day is to provide healthcare professionals with the proper resources and information needed to effectively screen people for gambling addiction.

PGA TOUR’s PGAM efforts

The PGA TOUR has also launched new initiatives for Problem Gambling Awareness Month this year, including a new cross-platform marketing campaign that highlights important reminders:

• If betting impacts your ability to enjoy important moments or events in life, it may be a sign of a problem.
• A free, confidential help line is available 24/7 to individuals looking for resources to help overcome a gambling problem

Problem Gambling warning signs

It’s important to always be aware of the most common warning signs of a gambling problem, so you can keep an eye out for them in yourself, a friend or a family member. Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an appropriate time for a refresher on these indicators of a potential issue.

• Inability to stop or cut back: When someone has attempted to stop or reduce their betting but finds themselves unable to do so. There may also be feelings of restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut back.
• Chasing losses: Betting more in hopes of recouping previous losses is a worrying indicator commonly seen by Birches Health counselors in individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
• Increased frequency or amount of bets: If an individual begins to bet more frequently or increases the amount of money they are risking, often to reach the level of excitement or interest that they previously experienced with lower amounts or fewer bets because tolerance is built up.
• Borrowing money to bet or financial bailouts: A person may attempt to borrow money from others to fund their betting activities or ask for help paying off gambling debts.
• Negative impacts on other parts of life: Someone having difficulty controlling their betting may neglect important responsibilities such as work, school, social commitments or family obligations.
• Preoccupation with betting: Constantly thinking and/or talking about it can be a sign that gambling has become compulsive and crossed the line into an unhealthy behavior that needs to be addressed.
• Hiding or lying about gambling: Someone may feel the need to lie about or hide their betting activity from others, at times due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
• Betting as an escape from problems or negative feelings

Problem Gambling support and resources

If you are seeing some of the signs above in yourself or another person, it may be worth exploring some of the support options and resources available.

You can call the new NCPG hotline at 1-800-MY-RESET or text 800GAM. Support teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

And if you are interested specifically in online treatment options from the comfort of home, Birches Health has a nationwide team of counselors specially trained to help individuals dealing with problem gambling and related behavioral health challenges. To speak with a Birches Health care specialist, simply click here or email help@bircheshealth.com.