Prince William County Community Services Wellness & Prevention in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). PGAM is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
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 the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling. An estimated 2% of Virginians experience gambling problems.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a crucial opportunity to engage the Greater Prince William community in a dialogue about the impact of gambling-related issues on individuals and their loved ones. This annual observance provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of support services for those affected.

“Problem Gambling Awareness Month promotes essential awareness for individuals affected by problem gambling, as well as their loved ones,” said Wendy Hunt, Prince William County Wellness & Prevention Supervisor. “The Wellness & Prevention team supports initiatives aimed at increasing awareness, education, and support to prevent suicide and addictions throughout the Greater Prince William.”

During March, Prince William County Wellness & Prevention has planned virtual presentations aimed at educating the public and fostering conversations about problem gambling. Click HERE to register for an upcoming virtual presentation, Community Matters: Problem Gambling Awareness, on Thursday, 3/14/24 at 7pm or Thursday, 3/21/24 at 10am.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-532-3500. Help is available 24/7/365 – it is free and confidential.

For more information about problem gambling, visit https://www.ncpgambling.org/, https://vcpg.net/, or contact Wendy Hunt at whunt@pwcgov.org.