WEB LETTER: March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)—a national grassroots campaign observed each year to spark heightened awareness and action. Here in Florida, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) leads PGAM by bringing together voices across the community to spotlight the real impacts of problem gambling and the confidential help and hope available 24/7 through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine.

SHINE THE LIGHT ON PROBLEM GAMBLING: Florida Finds Hope Through 888-ADMIT-IT

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). Nationally recognized for its comprehensive support, localized resources, and personalized service, the 888‑ADMIT‑IT HelpLine stands as the trusted gateway to recovery for anyone in Florida concerned about gambling.

As the only organization in the Sunshine State with over three decades of experience providing support and programming for this issue, it’s no coincidence that 93% of help seekers reported reduced gambling after reaching out.

If you’re worried about your gambling or that of a loved one, call the 24/7, Confidential, and Multilingual 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine! Learn more about the 2026 PGAM campaign here.

Raising Awareness About the Hidden Addiction

FCCG’s PGAM campaign is designed to help Floridians better understand problem gambling, recognize the warning signs, and know that gambling addiction is treatable. This March, our objectives include raising awareness, standing with the people and partners who make prevention and support possible, and helping reduce stigma so more individuals and families feel safe reaching out.

• Raise awareness: Learn about problem gambling, recognize it, and help bring this public health issue to light.
• Stand with us: Share this blog post, our PGAM Microsite, and our social media posts throughout the month to help spread the word.
• Remove the stigma: Encourage help-seeking—many people are reluctant to reach out, and you can help change that.

March Madness Can Lead to Sports Betting Madness

It is no coincidence that PGAM coincides with NCAA March Madness, running from March 15 to April 6, 2026. The tournament is one of the most heavily bet-on sporting events of the year, with Americans expected to legally wager billions of dollars on the men’s and women’s games this season.

While office pools and bracket challenges have normalized this behavior, the widespread popularity of betting during the tournament and ease of access through betting apps creates an incredibly high-risk environment for those at risk of or in recovery from problem gambling.

The emotional intensity and rapid succession of games can easily drive impulsive decisions, leading individuals to try and chase their losses in a vicious cycle. Furthermore, the constant barrage of sports betting advertisements and social pressure during March Madness can act as severe triggers, making the continuous support offered by the FCCG essential.

The Evolving Impacts of Florida Sports Betting Legalization on Problem Gambling

As gambling becomes more accessible, FCCG emphasizes the growing need for continued community support so we can assist people who reach out for help. FCCG’s HelpLine data reflects rising demand: Florida problem gambling help contacts increased 50% since last year and 163% since 2019–2020, while online gambling help contacts increased 110% since last year and 426% since 2019–2020. Watch our video on the impacts and download our latest HelpLine reports here.

Importantly, FCCG reports that online gambling problem contacts rose 138% since the legalization of sports betting on December 7, 2023. The organization also notes it is fielding a record number of media requests in connection with gambling expansion and a surge in 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine contacts—another signal that this issue is increasingly visible and urgent.

Need Help or Know Someone Who Does?

The 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine is Florida’s 24/7, confidential, and multilingual gateway to free services and support for gamblers and loved ones. You can call or text 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848), use live chat, email fccg@gamblinghelp.org, or download the free mobile app to connect in just a tap or two.

By contacting 888-ADMIT-IT, help seekers can connect with resources such as the Online Program for Problem Gamblers (OPPG), Peer Connect, referrals to gambling addiction certified treatment providers, self-exclusion programs, self-help support groups and literature, plus financial and legal resources. If you’re worried about your gambling—or someone else’s—call the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for help and hope today.

Get Involved This PGAM PGAM partners amplify this message across the state, from mayoral proclamations to gambling facilities raising awareness with employees and patrons. To explore FCCG’s PGAM resources, learn more about how to get involved, or access help, visit the PGAM Microsite at https://gamblinghelp.org/pgam/.