March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Colorado Lottery, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC), dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately two million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.

All month, groups across America hold conferences, air Public Service Announcements, provide counselor training, host health screening days, run social media campaigns and engage in other activities to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to coincide each year with March Madness, during which Americans are expected to wager over $3 billion. For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved.

“Across Colorado during Problem Gambling Awareness Month and throughout the year, the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) is committed to raising public awareness of problem gambling in the state,” said Peggy Brown, PGCC President. “We appreciate the annual campaign the Colorado Lottery sponsors in March in support of this effort.”

PGAM brings together a wide range of stakeholders, such as public health organizations, treatment providers, gaming regulators, advocacy groups and gambling operators. They work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist. The hashtag for the campaign this year is #PGAM2023, which participants are encouraged to use across various social media platforms.

In March, Coloradans will enjoy entertaining animated short videos online and on social media that will help raise awareness about problem gambling. Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. This grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including public health organizations, treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators. They work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.

“The Colorado Lottery has more than doubled its monetary commitment to problem gambling awareness month in recent years, increasing support to over $200,000 this year,” said Tom Seaver, director of the Colorado Lottery. “As a gaming organization, we want to do more. To execute our commitments made in our Level 4 World Lottery Association (WLA) certification, we have engaged a responsible gaming expert consultant to help ensure that all of our practices align with responsible gaming best practices to ensure we’re part of the solution, not the problem.”

Colorado is one of just 10 lotteries across the nation to achieve the highest level of certification for Responsible Gaming from the WLA. The WLA and its certified lotteries are committed to the highest standards of corporate responsibility and the WLA Responsible Gaming Principles and Framework.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org for confidential help. For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling, go to www.ncpgambling.org/pgam and Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC).

About Colorado Lottery 

Since 1983, the Colorado Lottery has returned more than $4 billion to outdoor projects through Great Outdoors Colorado, the Conservation Trust Fund, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife; and to schools through Building Excellent Schools Today. Proceeds from sales of Colorado Lottery games – Scratch, Powerball, Mega Millions, Colorado Lotto+, Lucky for Life, Cash 5, and Pick 3 – enhance, protect, improve parks, trails, and open space in Colorado. For more information, visit coloradolottery.com.