March Is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

NASPL partners with the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote awareness, education, and access to support

CONCORD, Ohio (March 2, 2026) – This March, in observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) is once again partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to promote education, awareness, and access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those affected by problem gambling.

Now in its 23rd year, PGAM is a nationwide grassroots campaign dedicated to increasing public understanding of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The annual observance provides an important platform to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and highlight the resources available to individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm. The 2026 PGAM theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support.

“At NASPL, we are committed to advancing responsible gambling initiatives and ensuring that players, retailers, and industry professionals have access to critical information and resources,” said NASPL Executive Director David Gale. “We value our longstanding partnership with NCPG and are proud to stand with the lottery industry in raising awareness and supporting meaningful solutions during PGAM and throughout the year.”

According to NCPG, while most adults who gamble do so responsibly, approximately 1% of U.S. adults meet the criteria for severe gambling problems. Additionally, an estimated 85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives, with about 60% having gambled in the past year.

Throughout March and year-round, NASPL and NCPG will continue working together to strengthen responsible gambling education and best practices across the lottery industry. Since 2014, NASPL – alongside NCPG and member lotteries – has provided comprehensive responsible gambling training materials for lottery employees and retailers, including specialized training videos and educational resources shared across its membership.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, NASPL has expanded and updated its responsible gambling guidelines to address emerging products and technologies. Most recently, in collaboration with NCPG, the Association introduced significant enhancements to its Responsible Gambling Framework (RGF) Certification Program. The updated program includes a new entry-level certification, an improved submission system, and continued reciprocal certification opportunities with the World Lottery Association

Responsible gambling resources – including RGF details, employee and retailer training materials, and a downloadable Responsible Gambling Toolkit – are available to NASPL members through the NASPL Matrix.

For more information about problem gambling and ways to increase awareness, visit www.ncpgambling.org/FAQs.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET, text 800GAM, or visit NCPGambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7/365. It is free and confidential.

About NASPL

The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries was founded in 1971. With membership representing 53 lottery organizations across North America, NASPL serves as a platform for sharing exclusive research and data, standards and best practices, and networking and learning opportunities. Our mission is to advocate for state and provincial lottery organizations on matters of general lottery policy and leverage collaboration, communication, education, and information for the betterment of the industry.

About NCPG

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline™, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call 1-800-MY-RESET, text 800GAM, or visit NCPGambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.