CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s Problem Gambling Help Network (WVPGHN) is recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, with calls to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline up 150 percent over the past three years.
The month is dedicated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Problem gambling includes patterns of gambling behavior that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2.5 million U.S. adults — about 1 percent of the population — are estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 5 to 8 million adults, or 2 to 3 percent of the population, meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
WVPGHN Marketing Director Sheila Moran said the increase in helpline calls reflects growing awareness but does not capture the full scope of the issue.
“That is a big increase, but most people who need help with a gambling problem are not calling us, so the problem is far bigger than these numbers suggest,” Moran said. “Just in the last two weeks, more than 300 people have taken our online interactive quiz, and the majority reported several symptoms associated with gambling disorder.”
During March, WVPGHN will offer free online and in-person clinical training. Events include the Mountain State Summit on Gambling Addiction on March 17 in South Charleston and a one-hour online seminar on March 26. Registration information is available at 1800GAMBLER.net.
WVPGHN is also launching a media campaign highlighting the people behind the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, featuring photos and videos of staff members, peer coaches and counselors.
“There is a growing frustration with AI in customer service,” Moran said. “We want West Virginians to know that when they call us, they are connecting with real people who can understand and help them.”
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800GAMBLER.net. Treatment options include in-person or telehealth counseling, support groups, software that blocks gambling sites, financial counseling and connections to others in recovery from gambling addiction.
West Virginia’s Problem Gambling Help Network was established in 2000 to provide training, treatment, education and public awareness about gambling addiction in West Virginia. The network operates the 24/7 1-800-GAMBLER helpline in the state, offering crisis counseling and referrals to professional treatment services.
