March Madness reaches its annual crescendo this month. An estimated $10 billion in bets will be placed on the NCAA basketball championship games. Calls to the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) will spike an average of 30%, too. How timely that March is also Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force with the National Council on Problem Gambling want to help problem gamblers. The Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign theme “Awareness + Action” is about taking specific actions. It's about having conversations about problem gambling issues and directing people to the help they may need.
Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) are considered to meet criteria for problem gambling. And yet for many residents of the US, gambling remains a hidden addiction.
The Problem Gambling Awareness Month Message
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (#PGAM2021) is designed to raise awareness: there are prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign, #AwarenessPlusAction, brings together a wide range of stakeholders in southwest Kansas:
“Across Kansas, groups like ours are taking all kinds of specific actions," said Amy Falcon who coordinates the task force. "We are hosting conferences, screening and training days, city proclamations, casino giveaways and other awareness initiatives. We want to reach people who can make a difference in ensuring that problem gambling services are widely available and accessible. Our goal is always to bring awareness to our communities that there is no-cost treatment available to anyone who needs it."
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, your best bet is to get help. For confidential help, call or text the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org/chat.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling, go to www.swks-problemgambling.org/.
About the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force was founded in 2008 and is neither for nor against gambling. The mission of the Task Force is to help those affected by problem gambling and to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. Members work to raise public awareness, provide prevention and education programs, and ensure that resources are available to problem gamblers, families and communities.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national advocate for people and families affected by problem gambling. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gambling. For information on NCPG’s 35th National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling, visit www.ncpgambling.org/conference.
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force with the National Council on Problem Gambling want to help problem gamblers. The Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign theme “Awareness + Action” is about taking specific actions. It's about having conversations about problem gambling issues and directing people to the help they may need.
Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) are considered to meet criteria for problem gambling. And yet for many residents of the US, gambling remains a hidden addiction.
The Problem Gambling Awareness Month Message
Problem Gambling Awareness Month (#PGAM2021) is designed to raise awareness: there are prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign, #AwarenessPlusAction, brings together a wide range of stakeholders in southwest Kansas:
- Boot Hill Casino and Resort
- Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging
- Catholic Charities
- The City of Dodge City
- Hope and Healing Counseling
- Southwind Broadcasting
- Ford County Extension Office
- DCCCA
- Compass Behavioral Health
“Across Kansas, groups like ours are taking all kinds of specific actions," said Amy Falcon who coordinates the task force. "We are hosting conferences, screening and training days, city proclamations, casino giveaways and other awareness initiatives. We want to reach people who can make a difference in ensuring that problem gambling services are widely available and accessible. Our goal is always to bring awareness to our communities that there is no-cost treatment available to anyone who needs it."
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, your best bet is to get help. For confidential help, call or text the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit ncpgambling.org/chat.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling, go to www.swks-problemgambling.org/.
About the Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force
The Southwest Kansas Problem Gambling Task Force was founded in 2008 and is neither for nor against gambling. The mission of the Task Force is to help those affected by problem gambling and to reduce the harmful effects of problem gambling. Members work to raise public awareness, provide prevention and education programs, and ensure that resources are available to problem gamblers, families and communities.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling
NCPG is the national advocate for people and families affected by problem gambling. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and works with all stakeholders to promote responsible gambling. For information on NCPG’s 35th National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling, visit www.ncpgambling.org/conference.
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