Problem Gambling Awareness Month begins and “Every Story Matters”

Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2024 has begun, with the entirety of March focusing on promoting safe and responsible gambling, as well as the treatment options available across the United States, and not least, highlighting the plight of individuals struggling with gambling addiction, as well as the stories of people who have overcome or are in the process of overcoming their dependence on gambling.

This year’s theme is "Every Story Matters" which highlights every narrative, battle, and triumph that is related to problem gambling is significant, boosting awareness for the issue and helping the nation to move forward with the problem.

Launched by the National Council on Problem Gambling and picked up by state regulators and industry stakeholders across the country, the goal is to amplify awareness and break down stigmas surrounding problem gambling, equally focusing on people who may suffer from the issue that there is help, and that their story matters.

One of the highlights of the initiative will be the Gambling Disorder Screening Day which will be held on March 12, 2024, and conducted with the help of the Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction, which has developed the Gambling Disorder Screening Day Toolkit available for free on the website.

The cause has been taken up by gaming regulators and organizations from all across the nation. Jimmie Hicks III, Ohio Lottery Deputy Director of Responsible Gambling has welcomed the opportunity to see his organization be one of the campaign’s staunchest supporters:

"The Ohio Lottery stands behind initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility to prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Assistance for problem gambling remains readily available in Ohio not only during March but throughout the entire year."

The Ohio Lottery will support and promote impactful initiatives across social media, and retail messaging, and offer additional training for its own staff. Michigan has taken up the call to rally against problem gambling and is also actively engaged and participating in the campaign, promoting public awareness of the early signs of problem gambling and that treatment is available.

Destigmatizing problem gambling has been one of the most significant impacts of PGAM, but the campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the need to address the issue head-on, starting with sufficient funding for treatment and prevention at a time when gambling is rapidly expanding across the United States.

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