March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a national initiative led by the National Council on Problem Gambling. 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. In Indiana, the prevalence of problem gambling was almost 3% of the adult population, according to the 2022 Adult Gambling Behaviors in Indiana survey.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a crucial opportunity to engage our 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 nationwide to highlight the availability of support services for those affected.

"For the Hoosier Lottery, this is an extension of what we do all year long," said Sarah M. Taylor, executive director of the Hoosier Lottery. "We know that most of our players do so responsibly and for entertainment; however, if a player's gambling behaviors become damaging to themselves, their family or their workplace, we want them to know there are resources that can help."

The Hoosier Lottery is proud to launch our latest Positive Play video on the Signs of Problem Gambling. This is one of the many resources in our Positive Play Toolbox that provides educational and interactive experiences to help players keep their play positive. Players can access resources such as the Positive Play Quiz, a Track Your Play Calculator, financial literacy education tools and Positive Play videos.

Indiana offers many resources for those who may be interested in additional help. The Problem Gambling Helpline offers phone, text and online chat options, and provides treatment referral information to callers who may need it. The helpline can be accessed by dialing 1-800-955-6886, texting INGAMB to 53342 or clicking the Chat Now link at the top of any Hoosier Lottery webpage.