March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. #PGAM2026The annual observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a time to learn, listen, and talk openly about problem gambling and its impacts. Awareness helps ensure gambling-related harm isn’t minimized or overlooked.

Problem gambling — also known as gambling disorder — is any gambling behavior that can harm a person’s wellbeing, relationships, or financial stability. Anyone who gambles can be affected. 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 $23 million in Lottery proceeds has been provided to the Nebraska Problem Gamblers Assistance Program for treatment programs serving all 93 Nebraska counties.

For 2026 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 a Gambling Problem

  • Constantly thinking about gambling
  • Feeling the need to bet more money and more often
  • Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when trying to stop or cut down
  • Trying to win back losses (aka “chasing losses”)
  • Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences

Help is Available

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

  • Call the Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline at 833-BETOVER (238-6837). The helpline is available 24/7 and led by people who understand what you’re going through, often through personal experience.
  • Explore additional resources at 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 02/27/2026