March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "problem gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as pathological, or "compulsive" gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

Some warning signs of a gambling problem are:

• Thinking about gambling all the time.
• Feeling the need to bet more money and more often.
• Going back to try to win your money back (“chasing losses”).
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down.
• Gambling despite negative consequences.
• In extreme cases, problem gambling can cause bankruptcy, legal problems, job loss, family arms, and thinking about suicide.

Could gambling be the problem?

• During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?
• During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
• During the past 12 months, have you had such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends, or welfare?

A "yes" answer to any of these questions means you may be at risk for developing a gambling problem.

How Widespread is Problem Gambling in Indiana?

• Gambling Disorders directly or indirectly affect over 200,000 Hoosiers.
• According to the 2023 Adult Gambling Behaviors in Indiana survey, 89% of Hoosiers have gambled at least once in the past year.
• An estimated 1 in 10 Hoosiers fill out a NCAA tournament bracket for “March Madness”, and the average wager on a game is $30.
• Since 2021, Indiana has experienced a 22% increase in the number of Hoosiers who received gambling treatment/education services from DMHA-endorsed gambling disorder treatment providers.
• Nearly 10% of U.S. Veterans struggle with a gambling disorder, a rate that is 2-3 times higher than the general population.

Problem Gambling Support & Resources

Learn to recognize the signs of problem gambling and get help for yourself or someone you know by calling the Indiana Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-994-8448 or texting INGAMB to 53342.

For a list of Gambling Disorder Treatment Providers in Indiana click here.