NCLGS Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a nationwide initiative led by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to increase public understanding of problem gambling and to highlight the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. As the only organization of state lawmakers that meets regularly to discuss gaming policy, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) strongly supports this effort and remains committed to promoting responsible gaming policy across the country.

This year’s PGAM theme – “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures” – underscores the importance of a community‑driven approach to addressing gambling-related harm. As the NCPG notes, the campaign aims to “increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services” and to encourage healthcare providers to screen and connect individuals to support services.

At NCLGS, responsible gaming is not a once‑a‑year conversation, it is a core pillar of our mission. Our Responsible Gaming Resolution provides legislators with guidance on developing thoughtful, evidence‑based policy. And at every NCLGS Meeting, we convene leading experts to examine the most critical and current issues surrounding problem gambling, public health, and regulatory best practices.

Problem gambling affects millions of Americans each year. According to the NCPG, “2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem. … Another 5-8 million (2-3%) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.” These numbers reinforce why informed policy, collaboration, and open dialogue remain essential.

At the NCLGS 2026 Summer Meeting, taking place July 8–11 at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, we will continue our commitment. The Committee on Responsible Gaming will once again host a dedicated panel on Friday, July 10, featuring national experts who will share insights, research, and policy considerations shaping the future of responsible gaming.

NCLGS is pleased to incorporate Parents Standing Together in the upcoming Responsible Gaming session. This organization brings awareness to youth gambling and gambling addiction in children. Not just during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, but all year long, NCLGS is committed to the support of responsible gambling, identifying warning signs of addiction, and how to seek help.

NCLGS’s impact is measured not only in legislation, conferences, or research, but in the trust it has earned from lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders who continue to rely on it as the nation’s most reliable public‑sector voice in gaming policy.

For more information on PGAM: NCPG Home - National Council on Problem Gambling

For more information visit NCLGS.org

NCLGS meetings are produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as Executive Director and has helped guide the organization’s growth for more than a decade.

Key Contacts:

Sponsorship: Josh Faber

Events: Jenna Wheeler

Legislative: Wayne Marlin

Media: Sherry Amos

NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers that meets on a regular basis to discuss gaming-related issues. The NCLGS semiannual meetings, which are open to the public, attract numerous state legislators as well as regulators, gaming operators and suppliers, attorneys, lobbyists, media, and other stakeholders to discuss all aspects of regulated gaming, as well as the risk implications of unregulated gaming. NCLGS meetings are proudly produced and organized by Spectrum Gaming Group, which serves as Executive Director.

2026 Summer Meeting Sponsors

MEDIA PARTNERS

NCLGS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR