March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month -> Seeking UnderstandingThe 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.

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.

The Nebraska Lottery is committed to responsible gaming and holds a Level 2 certification for Responsible Gaming from the World Lottery Association (WLA). Since 1993, over $22 million in Lottery proceeds has been provided to the Nebraska Problem Gamblers Assistance Program for treatment programs serving all 93 Nebraska counties.

For 2025 the Nebraska Lottery will be participating in Problem Gambling Awareness Month by:

  • Providing problem gambling training to Lottery employees and vendors.
  • Sharing information on problem gambling resources and treatment on our social media channels.
  • Encouraging players to #KnowYourLimit when playing lottery games.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

  1. You can’t stop gambling, even when it’s hurting you.
  2. You bet money you can’t afford to lose.
  3. You bet other people’s money.
  4. You steal to bet.
  5. Gambling is all you think about.
  6. Gambling is the main way you escape.
  7. Asking others to bail you out when you’ve gambled money away.
  8. Lying about the time and money you spend gambling.
  9. Gambling more after a loss to win back the loss.
  10. Gambling is killing your relationships.

Help is Available

If you’re concerned that you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem, free help is available.

  • Call Justin at the Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline at 833-BETOVER (238-6837). He’ll pick up your call 24/7. Many people call Justin just to talk through their concerns.
  • Explore additional resources at https://problemgambling.nebraska.gov. Professional help is paid for and confidential for Nebraskans and their families.

If you decide you could use the help of confidential, professional counseling with a certified problem-gambling counselor, the State of Nebraska pays the full cost of counseling for Nebraskans and their families. Working with a trained counselor helped 92% of Nebraska clients reduce their gambling, and 78% reduced their gambling debt.

Published on 02/25/2025