Pennsylvania recognizes problem gambling awareness month

State regulators in Pennsylvania announced last week that it was recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The National Council on Problem Gambling first announced the initiative, and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) along with the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs both acknowledged it officially in a press release on March 2.

Elizabeth Lanza is the director of the PGCB's Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, which was established within the Commonwealth to provide help with gambling addiction by providing a number of resources for its PA online casino users. Lanza illustrated why having an official Problem Gambling Awareness Month was a priority in Pennsylvania.

"While the majority of Pennsylvanians are able to gamble responsibly, it is essential to recognize that an estimated 2 to 4 percent of individuals will develop a gambling disorder at some point in their lives," Lanza said. 

"The Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling staff are dedicated to working with Board licensees, other state agencies, and state and national advocacy groups to further responsible gambling efforts, and when needed, provide a safety net of options for those who find that gambling is causing harm in their lives."

This year's Problem Gambling Awareness Month theme is "Caring Communities, Stronger Futures," according to the NCPG's website, and it's meant to emphasize a community-driven approach to identify addiction. 

The hope is that awareness created by this program can help friends, family, coworkers, educators, healthcare workers and policy makers come together to help ensure that problem gamblers are guided towards the proper resources.

"We want all Pennsylvanians to learn about the signs of problem gambling. Having that knowledge base is the first line of defense in stopping problems before they start," said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. "And understanding that treatment and other resources are available to help is often the first step on the road to recovery. Recovery is possible."

Pennsylvania legalized real money online casino apps in Pennsylvania in 2017 before they launched two years later along with legal sports betting. The state is second only to Nevada in commercial casino revenues, while the state's total gaming revenues nearly reached $600 million in January 2026. 

All told, the state collected nearly $250 million in tax revenue, largely due to the success and popularity of casino games online. Pennsylvania uses some of that revenue to help fund initiatives to help gambling addicts.

"By helping to fund the Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helpline and working with our partners to provide tools and resources to players, we help ensure that PA Lottery games remain a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment for everyone of legal age," Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko said. "Players in Pennsylvania can call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support and guidance if gambling ever becomes a concern."

In addition to official recognition from the aforementioned state agencies, the PGCB approved a resolution memorializing the importance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month late last month. Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro also issued a proclamation recognizing March officially as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. 

The state is also inviting anybody interested in speaking with agencies involved in preventing problem gambling to the East Wing of the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg on Thursday, March 25th. The event will run from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. ET.

Ryan Wooden