National Center on Problem Gambling Launches Caring Communities, Stronger Futures Campaign

March means Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a grassroots campaign promoted nationwide by the national Council on Problem Gambling. Interestingly, the goals include not only letting people know that help is available, but also advocating for screening about problem gambling issues from healthcare providers.

The 2026 theme is Caring Communities, Stronger Futures which leans into this idea that it is an entire community; friends, families, local partners, policy makers and yes even healthcare providers that form the safety net of support for those struggling with gambling addiction.

While “the help is available” messaging is important, this added push for healthcare screening is the real gamechanger. Gambling Disorder (GD) is called the hidden addiction for a reason, because unlike say alcohol or other substance abuse, there aren't physical signs like dilated pupils slurred speech or dramatic changes in appearance.

By integrating these gambling queries into routine medical check ups it is hoped that these issues can be surfaced and help provided before they spiral into larger problems. Lest you think gambling addiction is not a physical issue to be treated by healthcare professionals, remember that there is a high comorbidity between GD and anxiety,depression and other substance abuse.

There are also well documented links between other ailments like insomnia, high blood pressure, and ulcers associated with the emotional strain of problem gambling. The potential numbers of Americans impacted are pretty staggering.

Some estimates put the number at 2.5 million Americans meeting the criteria for severe gambling related issues and maybe as many 8 million more experiencing moderate gambling disorders. Perhaps as many as 20 million Americans faced at least one indicator of problem bambling last year.

More than 80% of Americans now view addiction as a serious health issue, interestingly that number is higher than even alcohol or drugs, but less than 15% of Americans have been asked about gambling by a primary care doctor. That means millions that could be getting help, from those most able to provide proper referrals, aren’t.

But that screening gap is even more important for young men. Recent data shows that Gambling disorders for men 18 to 30 are about triple that of the population. Something like 10% of that group are problem gamblers, yet this same group is the least likely to seek routine medical care, which means they slip through even a tightened safety net. 

That means for the NCPG’s Caring Communities campaign to succeed, they will need to normalize conversations around this topic not just in clinics but out in the digital and social spaces where this demographic can actually be reached.  

The current screening gap which sees barely 1 in 8 people asked about gambling related harm is a public health blindspot. With millions facing not only gambling related harm, but the physical symptoms that can come with it, it's time that healthcare providers sought to mitigate its impact with the same rigor as alcohol or tobacco. That's the reason that March 10th 2026 is designated as Gambling Disorder Screening Day.

For the Caring Communities theme to truly thrive though, it will need to be even further retooled to help that vulnerable population of young men who rarely visit clinics, and find a way beyond the doctor's office and out into the digital fabric of their lives.