Problem Gambling Awareness Month March 2026

Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2026

Each March, communities across the country recognize Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) to increase understanding of gambling-related harm, reduce stigma, and highlight prevention, treatment, and recovery resources.

This year’s theme — Caring Communities, Stronger Futures — emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. Visit NCPGambling.org/PGAM for more ways to get involved, raise awareness, and help build caring communities and stronger futures free from gambling-related harm.

5-8 million U.S. adults are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.

2.5 million U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year.

The estimated annual social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion.

Source: Problem Gambling Fact Sheet

Beyond traditional gambling, problem gaming effects people of all ages.

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The average age of a gaming addict is 24 years of age.

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Around 8.5% of children and teenagers around the world may be addicted to gaming.

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Over two billion people play video games worldwide, and the number is predicted to surpass three million by 2023.

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3-4% of gamers are addicted to video games. In a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis the global prevalence of gaming disorder was found to be 3.05% That means there can be as many as 60 million people (or more) suffering from gaming disorder.

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49% of all Americans adults have played video games, but only 10% consider themselves “gamers”.

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Between 0.3% and 1% of the general population have symptoms associated with gaming disorder.

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The average gamer spends 6.5 hours per week playing video games.

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1 in 10 gamers play for more than 12 hours daily.

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15% of gamers have skipped meals to play video games.

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25% of gamers have neglected personal hygiene to play video games.

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22% of gamers have lost sleep because of playing video games.

Resources: addictionhelp.com | gamequitters.com | coniferpark.com

Warning Signs

Constantly thinking about gambling
Feeling the need to bet more money and more often.
Trying to win back losses (aka “chasing losses”)
Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when trying to stop or cut down
Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
In its most serious forms, problem gambling can contribute to financial strain, legal challenges, job loss, family conflict, and even thoughts of suicide.

Source: Problem Gambling Fact Sheet

Screenings

Screen for potential gambling-related problems. Brief screens can help people decide whether to seek a formal evaluation of their gambling behavior. The 3-item BBGS1 is based on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for gambling disorders.

Find a link to a 4-question screen here or a 20-question screen here.

More Resources

Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2026 Toolkit

The National Council on Problem Gambling has shared this Toolkit to raise awareness of the campaign, needs, and resources.
Please see the templates for press releases, proclamations, presentations, and their PGAM Brand Assets for sharing!