Community Services Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Prince William County Community Services Wellness and Prevention team is proud to recognize 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 5-8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems.  Problem gambling is linked to serious issues, including mental health struggles, substance use, and increased thoughts of suicide. This is why we are committed to spreading awareness and sharing resources during one of the highest betting events of the year.

In a recent survey of  Virginia Young Adults (ages 18-25), young adults from the Prince William area reported the following:

• 9% reported not feeling in control of their gambling behaviors
• 15% reported gambling negatively impacting their finances,
• 10% reported drinking more alcohol when they game or gamble. 

Throughout March, Prince William Community Services Wellness and Prevention team will participate in various activities in the community to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling. Planned activities include:

• “I Screen, You Screen, We All Screen for Ice Cream” Resource Fair.  Join Prince William Community Services and community partners on Tuesday, 3/11/25 from 11am to 2pm at the Ferlazzo Building to learn more about problem gambling and the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, and recovery.  A variety of gambling, health, and wellness screenings and resources will be available. 
• Problem Gambling Youth Art Contest: Youth around the county have the opportunity to create a piece of art to help raise awareness about the risks associated with problem gaming and gambling.  Winning artwork will be displayed at locations around the county for public viewing. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, call the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-532-3500 or call/text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for free and confidential support. Help is available 24/7.

If you’d like to learn more about problem gaming or gambling prevention and resources, contact Wendy Hunt at [email protected].