Problem Gambling Awareness Month

NEED TO TALK NOW FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT?

For 24/7 Support, Call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-8HOPENY

 It is important for those affected by the harms associated with gambling and people close to those with a gambling problem can suffer impacts that include conflicts in relationships,

financial strain, and feelings of anger, fear, shame or worry.

For more information and to get help,

call the NYS OASAS HOPEline anytime at 1-877-846-7369.

For additional resources, please visit https://oasas.ny.gov/gambling or https://oasas.ny.gov/prevention/gambling

 

 

PGAM 2026

Caring Communities, Stronger Futures

Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2026

In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) 2026, NYS OASAS, the New York State Gaming Commission, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) invite individuals, providers, recovery communities, and organizations across New York State to come together under this year’s theme: Caring Communities, Stronger Futures.
As gambling opportunities continue to expand across New York State and beyond, collaboration across all sectors is essential. By increasing awareness, strengthening prevention efforts, and improving connections to care, we can reduce gambling-related harms and build healthier communities statewide.

Take a Pause and Turn to Resources Available to Help

We encourage New Yorkers to “Take a Pause” and access trusted prevention, treatment, and recovery resources available throughout the state. Visit Take a Pause Campaign | Office of Addiction Services and Supports

Get Involved During Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Connect With Your Local Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC)

Schedule a training, request materials, or partner on outreach efforts. PGRCs provide education and connect individuals and families to local support services.

Attend the NYCPG Annual Conference

Join us in Albany, NY, March 10–12, 2026, as we highlight statewide efforts to reduce gambling harm and strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. Under this year’s theme, Caring Communities, Stronger Futures, the conference will showcase innovative strategies, collaborative partnerships, and the dedicated individuals working to make a difference across New York.
You can find registration and agenda information HERE
Add link-   Welcome – Conference Site
 
Host a Screening Day
Introduce and incorporate screenings for gambling disorder in your programs to help bring awareness to the risks and impacts while offering resources and supports.

Gambling Disorder Screening Day

March 10, 2026 marks Gambling Disorder Screening Day, observed annually on the second Tuesday of March. On this day, providers across New York are encouraged to screen for gambling-related harms and provide connections to supports for individuals and their loved ones.
What is Gambling Disorder Screening Day?
Gambling Disorder can lead to financial, emotional, social, occupational, and physical harms, yet many cases go undetected and untreated. Limited routine screening contributes to this gap.
Established in 2014 by the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance (a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital), Gambling Disorder Screening Day is an international grassroots initiative designed to raise awareness and support organizations in implementing screening in a variety of settings.
Why Participate?
Screening Day helps individuals in our communities who may benefit from further assessment and support. It also normalizes conversations about gambling harms and builds organizational capacity through free educational materials, tools, and resources.
How to Participate?
There are two primary ways to get involved:
  • Host a screening day– Pledge to introduce a screening tool and utilize it with all clients for a day, a week, or long term.  Check out our resources to support you or reach out to your local PGRC for more information. 
  • Supporter –Pledge to share information, social media posts, resources with your clients and communities to let folks know that help is available.

Download the 2026 Screening Day Toolkit for materials, planning guides, and promotional resources to host a successful event.

For questions about Problem Gambling Awareness Month activities, please contact:
Diana Reuter
[email protected]