Zepf Center, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.
The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.
Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional five to eight million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems. In Ohio, 19.8 percent of adult Ohioans can be categorized as low-risk, moderate-risk or problem gamblers according to a 2022 survey.
The annual observance of PGAM provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery.
Throughout March, Zepf Center will host various activities to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling.
“March gives us the opportunity to connect with our community and educate them about problem gambling, which is often a hidden addiction,” said Megan Poliquin, manager of Gambling Treatment and Prevention. “While we do offer various treatment options, we are not anti-gambling–we are committed to promoting responsible gambling and ensuring individuals know their options for support and treatment if gambling becomes a concern.”
The Gambling Treatment Program at Zepf Center provides in-person or telehealth individual and group treatment for Ohio residents who have identified themselves as having a problem with gambling or sports betting. The team also will meet with friends or family members concerned about a loved one who they suspect may have a problem with gambling or sports betting. Treatment is offered at no cost to Ohio residents.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness, visit zepfcenter. org/gambling-treatmentprogram/ or email cmorrow@zepfcenter.org.
