In honor of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in 2021, the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) is challenging everyone across New York State – individuals, agencies, and communities alike – to come together to face problem gambling.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, two million U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for severe gambling problems in a given year. Another four to six million would be considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction but meet one or more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior. The effects of problem gambling are not isolated to the individual. It’s been estimated that eight to ten additional people can be negatively affected by one person’s gambling behaviors. These people include family members, friends, neighbors, and even coworkers. If we account for individuals experiencing gambling problems and others who are affected, the estimate of those affected by problem gambling is between 64 and 80 million people.
NYCPG Executive Director Jim Maney stated, “The increase and availability of gambling opportunities in NYS coupled with the effects of COVID-19 have made the 2021 Problem Gambling Awareness Month the most important event highlighting problem gambling awareness and resources this year. It is imperative that we partner together to raise the awareness of problem gambling and make certain New York residents can access the services and resources that they need during these challenging times.”
PGAM is a time for everyone to join together to show how much we care about individuals, families, and communities struggling with gambling problems. That’s why this year for PGAM, the New York Council on Problem Gambling is expanding its focus to engage all New Yorkers in problem gambling efforts. The materials and resources developed for PGAM 2021 will help individuals explore their own struggles, support agencies who want to host Gambling Disorder Screening Day events, and raise awareness of what’s being done across the state to face the issue of problem gambling.
For information and to get involved in Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2021, visit: NYProblemGambling.org/PGAM.
If you or someone you love is struggling, visit: NYProblemGamblingHelp.org to connect with resources in your community.
Provided information
