Charleston, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Hour House, in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is proud to recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month  (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm. 

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. Nationally, approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, with an additional 5-8 million individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems. In 2023, the Illinois Department of Human Services reported that 3.8% of adult Illinoisans — approximately 383,000 people – were considered to have a gambling problem. 

The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an essential platform for organizations across the country to highlight the availability of resources that support problem gambling prevention, education, treatment, and recovery. 

Throughout March, Hour House will host activities to educate the community and spark meaningful conversations around problem gambling. Planned events include: 

• Problem Gambling Screening Day- March 11, 2025, from 9am-3pm at the Mattoon Outpatient location, 416 N 19th St Mattoon, IL 61938
• Social Media Awareness Campaigns

“In rural areas, problem gambling can be easy to overlook, but it still affects individuals and families in our community. Limited resources and isolation can make it harder to seek help which is why we’re offering free gambling screenings on National Screening Day. Our goal is to provide a judgement-free space where people can take the first step toward support and recovery,” said Dydra Arnold, Gambling Coordinator for Hour House.  

Hour House encourages local media and community organizations to join this important conversation by sharing information and highlighting available resources. 

For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness of problem gambling, visit ncpgambling.org/FAQs.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available  24/7/365 – it is free and confidential. 

About the Hour House 

We are a community-based, not-for-profit corporation offering services to address substance use disorders and other therapeutic needs. We began helping east central Illinois and other state residents as the Central East Alcoholism & Drug Council originally incorporated in 1972. We opened our first facility in 1973 and now operate 10 sites in our geographic area. In 2020 we began using the name Hour House in recognition of the reality that recovery happens an “hour at a time”.  

About the National Council on Problem Gambling 

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit 1800gamblerchat.org. Help is  available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.