March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a time to pause and reflect upon how gambling is changing across the United States.
PGAM was originally established during the NCAA championships to spread awareness about gambling risks. However, since 2018, legal sports wagering has spread across the nation and is now legal or being considered in 39+ states. This has led to a significant increase in the number of people seeking help for gambling addiction.
In many states, people can legally place sports wagering bets, often 24/7, including through companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. Washington state does not allow legal online sports betting, and legal sports wagering is limited to Tribal casinos. Despite this, gambling online does happen. Residents are also exposed to gambling through social media, national advertising, gambling elements in games, and enticements for online prediction markets. These sites allow people to bet on everything from sports to the Oscars to the weather.
Most people can gamble recreationally and never have issues. But for some, they begin to experience gambling as a source of stress and harm. At least 90,000 people in Washington are estimated to have a diagnosable gambling addiction, resulting in anxiety, sleep problems, financial strain, relationship conflict, and feelings of shame or isolation, including thoughts of suicide. Gambling addiction can take a toll on a person’s financial and mental health, and can affect loved ones as well.
Teens and young adults under age 25 who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling addiction as adults. Impulse control and long-term decision-making within the brain are still developing into the mid-20s, making teens and young adults more susceptible to risky behaviors, including excessive gambling. Exposure to sports betting ads during games, gambling-like features in video games, and peer pressure can all lead to an increased risk of gambling addiction.
The good news
Several resources are available in Washington for people seeking help:
- The State Problem Gambling Program at the Health Care Authority (HCA) provides free assessment and treatment for eligible individuals and their loved ones.
- Individuals seeking help are also encouraged to contact the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-547-6133 – available 24/7 via chat/text/call (hosted by the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, which also provides resources).
- Apple Health (Medicaid) enrollees can contact their managed care organization to find a certified gambling counselor. If no counselors are available, enrollees may be eligible for the State Problem Gambling Program.
- Take Back Control is a media campaign that teaches teens and young adults to recognize when gambling is built into the games and apps they use every day.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the resources above today. There is no wrong door. Remember: Help is available and recovery is possible!