March Is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, But Responsible Play is a Year-Round Commitment for Lotteries

Published March 17, 2026

Each March, organizations across the nation observe Problem Gambling Awareness Month – an important opportunity to raise awareness, promote resources for those in need, and reaffirm a shared commitment to responsible play. (Check out this recent article for our recap on How Lotteries Across the U.S. Support PGAM.)

For lotteries, responsible gambling is not limited to one month on the calendar. It is a year-round responsibility and a core part of maintaining the public trust that has defined the lottery industry for decades. As lotteries continue to evolve – introducing new products, technologies, and digital experiences – our approach to responsible gambling must evolve as well.

That is why ongoing research and development remain essential. Understanding player behavior, identifying emerging risks, and developing effective prevention and education strategies require a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. Across our membership, lotteries work closely with researchers, public health experts, and responsible gambling professionals to ensure programs are informed by the latest insights and data.

For NASPL, supporting and advancing these efforts is a central priority. Our members recognize that the long-term success of the lottery industry depends not only on offering engaging games that generate critical funding for public programs, but also on ensuring that strong player protections are embedded in everything we do.

One of the most important ways we advance that commitment is through education and collaboration. NASPL events bring together lottery leaders, regulators, researchers, and industry partners to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore new approaches to responsible gambling.

This year, responsible gambling will be a focus across all NASPL programming. Next month, the Lottery Leadership Institute will bring together emerging leaders from lottery organizations across North America, where discussions of ethical leadership and player protection will be an integral part of preparing the next generation of lottery executives. Registration is open now, so secure your place at LLI today.

Later this summer, NASPL will also host a special responsible gambling-focused event held in conjunction with and immediately following the Professional Development Seminar in July. This RG Seminar will create an opportunity for deeper dialogue among lottery professionals, responsible gambling experts, and industry stakeholders, with a focus on emerging trends, new research, and practical strategies for strengthening responsible play initiatives.

Another important component of NASPL’s commitment to responsible gambling is the continued evolution of the Responsible Gambling Framework Certification Program. Developed in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the program provides lotteries with a structured, evidence-based roadmap for building and enhancing responsible gambling programs.

The certification program continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of modern lottery organizations. Recent enhancements include the introduction of a new entry-level certification designed to help lotteries begin their responsible gambling journey, as well as improvements to the submission process through the NASPL Matrix platform, making participation more efficient and accessible. Additionally, NASPL continues to maintain reciprocal certification opportunities with the World Lottery Association, helping ensure that responsible gambling standards remain aligned with global best practices and enabling lotteries to receive recognition across both organizations.

These efforts reflect a broader commitment shared across the lottery community, to ensure that responsible gambling is fully integrated into the culture, policies, and operations of our organizations.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an important moment to highlight the work being done across the industry and to encourage continued progress. But it also serves as a reminder that responsible gambling is not a destination – it is an ongoing process that requires attention, collaboration, and innovation.

Responsible play and a strong lottery industry go hand in hand. Through our continued commitment, we can ensure that lotteries across North America remain both responsible and sustainable for generations to come.

As the public franchise in the gaming market, this is how we work to fulfill our mission.

Brian Rockey

Director, Nebraska Lottery

NASPL President