March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and Pennsylvania agencies are asking the public to learn the signs of a problem.
“Gambling, even though legal, can become a problem when individuals begin to develop strained relationships over gambling, borrow money to gamble, gamble to experience a high or feeling, or miss work or other opportunities in order to gamble,” Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs said.
The theme of this 21st annual observance is “Every Story Matters”. The DDAP, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Pennsylvania Lottery, and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA are spreading a message that gambling disorders are preventable.
According to an assessment by Penn State University, approximately 16% of adult Pennsylvanians engaged in some form of online gambling last year with sports betting the most popular.
According to CCGPA Executive Director Josh Ercole, treatment is an effective option for those dealing with this issue.
“We think that it’s so value to have tools and resources like counseling options and self-help mutual aid meetings. There are wonderful tools and programs all across the state for free for individuals who may be looking for help,” Ercole.
The Pennsylvania Problem Gambling helpline is 1-800-GAMBLER. Other resources including a 24-hour live chat option are also available.
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