March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

With more than 250,000 Minnesotans reporting a gambling problem — and only 19 licensed therapists in the state to provide support — the state is facing a serious issue related to addressing gambling addiction, according to the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG). 

To address this issue, MNAPG is promoting March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month — and underscoring the effort is the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, which brings a massive increase in sports betting, plus the Minnesota Legislature’s reignited debate to legalize sports betting. 

“Gambling addiction is just as serious as alcohol or drug addiction, and it’s critical that we treat this issue as seriously as other substance abuse disorders,” says Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director of MNAPG, a gambling-neutral organization. “Minnesota is lagging behind many states in its available treatment resources and education around problem gambling, both of which are more important than ever as our state considers legalizing sports betting.”

Sheridan Tucker says the state is not prepared to legalize sports betting and points to other states that have legalized sports betting and have reported a significant spike in calls to problem gambling helplines.

MNAPG says it’s vital that any sports betting bill include more prevention, research and treatment funding. Other key elements MNAPG is advocating for include added consumer protections related to gambling-related apps to ensure common-sense safeguards. Sheridan Tucker says curbing gambling advertising is also important to limit advertising exposure to people under age 21. MNAPG says that 6,000 Minnesota high school students report a gambling problem.

“Teenagers are four times more likely to develop a gambling disorder than adults and that’s why we are also advocating to incorporate gambling awareness and prevention materials in our high schools,” says Sheridan Tucker. “There is no current educational requirement about this issue, and we now have a tremendous opportunity to correct this to help our students understand the risks.” 

Know the Signs 

of Problem Gambling

• Problem gambling impacts millions of people in the United States and can have serious consequences for individuals, families and communities. Approximately 2 million adults in the U.S. are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling.

• Here are some common signs that might indicate a gambling addiction:

• Increased frequency of gambling activity

• Gambling for significantly longer periods of time than originally planned

• Boasting about wins, but never talking about losses

• Lying about how money is spent

• Turning to other excesses to relieve gambling stress (alcohol, sleep, video games, etc.)

Those seeking help can find resources by calling the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-333-4673.

“We’re advocating to make Minnesota a safer, more supportive community that treats problem gambling as a treatable and preventable public health issue,” said Sheridan Tucker. “It’s now more important than ever to bring attention to this issue and make sure people know that help is available.”

For more information about MNAPG and tools for increasing awareness of problem gambling, visit www.mnapg.org.