In the near future, Chairman Diamond and I plan on introducing a resolution designating March 2026 as “Problem Gambling Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania, and also recognizing March 2025 as “National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.”

Gambling is a popular recreational activity for millions of citizens across the United States and within the Commonwealth. While most individuals enjoy gambling responsibly, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) reports that 2.5 million U.S. adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year, with another 5-8 million (2-3%) considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.
Problem gambling affects individuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds; it also affects their families and imposes hardships on communities which can come at a great societal and economic cost. As a public health issue, problem gambling is treatable with the correct methods and with the individual realizing that they need intervention.

By designating the month of March as “Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” Pennsylvania would join a nationwide campaign to spread public awareness to the public health issue that is problem gambling and to highlight the effectiveness and importance of treatment options.

We hope that you will join with us in cosponsoring this resolution that will provide help to individuals and families suffering from the effects of problem gambling.