LEONARDTOWN, MD (March 19, 2025)—The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). PGAM is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
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. According to the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, 4% of Marylanders met the criteria for disordered gambling.
Throughout March, the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling are hosting various activities to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations about problem gambling.
“There are treatment and recovery services for those affected by problem gambling,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Problem gambling can severely impact a person’s financial stability and family. Our health department team is available to get community members connected to help.”
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call, text, or chat with the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or visit helpmygamblingproblem.org.
Information about local behavioral health resources is available at smchd.org/bhtreatment.
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