March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Rhode Island Lottery, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). 2023 marks the 20^th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling. 

PGAM brings together a wide range of stakeholders, such as public Health organizations, treatment providers, advocacy groups and gambling operators. They work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist. The hashtag for the campaign this year is #PGAM2023, which participants are encouraged to use across various social media platforms.

“Rhode Island boasts a robust treatment program, with individual counseling, equine therapy, group support and peer services, all available to individuals in need, regardless of insurance,” said Rhode Island Lottery Director, Mark Furcolo.  

Services available include:

• The Rhode Island Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-877-9GAMBLE (1-877-942-6253), which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff members are highly trained and multi-lingual. 

• The Problem Gambling Services Treatment Program (PGS), 401-499-2472, confidentially provides Rhode Islanders with necessary and appropriate services they may need. Those services are available to problem gamblers and or their families, regardless of insurance coverage.

• The Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of prevention, and education for problem gamblers, their families, and the community.

During March, The Rhode Island Lottery will aim to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The Sakonnet River Bridge will be lit in blue March 3 through March 9 and the Rhode Island State House will be illuminated March 13 through March 19. In addition, there will be dedicated billboards throughout the state as well as public service announcements on TV and Radio, and social media posts. On March 13, 2023, Problem Gambling Services will be featured on “Recovery TV” to discuss the recovery services available in Rhode Island.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to coincide each year with March Madness, during which Americans are expected to wager over $3 billion. For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved. 

“As we expand our online gambling with the Rhode Island Lottery website and app, as well as Sportsbook Rhode Island, we have enabled many responsible gambling features that players can configure, such as deposit, wager, and session limits.  Sportsbook Rhode Island customers can also set a time out period or can self-exclude from Sports betting for any length of time right in the app,” Furcolo continues.

For more information on Problem Gambling Services in Rhode Island please visit PGS website at https://www.problemgamblingservices.com/ or call 1-877-9GAMBLE.