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As March Madness heats up, here's a reminder not to get too carried away.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.
This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep.
Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.
The lower barriers to place bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling has had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling are youths. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.
There are state and national resources to help.
- Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
- The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
- The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.
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