RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Problem gambling affects millions of Americans, and nationally, nearly 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem. The term is defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family or professional lives, with five to eight millio n individuals experiencing mild to moderate gambling problems. This is why the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling (VCPG) has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling recognizing March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. According to the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, calls to VCPG's helpline increased 49% in 2024, and connected 1,002 callers directly to a problem gambling treatment provider. This year, the council's theme is "Seeking understanding" which will focus on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious, but often misunderstood mental health condition. Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is purposefully designed to align with March Madness. This is because its a time that many Americans tend to bet and take advantage of legal online sports betting. Dr. Carolyn Hawley, President of VCPG says, "As gambling has become even more readily accessible through online platforms on laptops and smart phones, the Council’s mission to increase the well-being of Virginians impacted by gambling becomes even more critical.” According to VCPG here are some highlights from their 2024 annual report: In 2024 alone, 15,841 calls were made to the VCPG’s free 24-hour helpline, representing a 49% increase in call volume from 10,608 calls in 2023. In 2024, every caller age bracket showed an increase in percentage from the 2023 report, especially ages 18-24 (grew from 9.1 to 13%) and ages 25-34 (jumped from 17.9 to 28%). VCPG connected 1,002 callers directly to a problem gambling treatment provider. Gambling on online non-sports websites was cited as the #1 types of gambling activity that callers had engaged in. Gambling at slot machines at casinos and sports gambling were tied for the #2 types of gambling activity for callers. Other types of gambling activities included playing the lottery, skill games and table games. Prominent financial ramifications from the callers’ experiences with problem gambling included spending all their extra money, being late on bills, spending their savings, borrowing from friends/family and incurring additional credit card debt. If you are suffering, the VCPG's gambling helpline is 1-888-532-3500 -- it is free and services are offered 24/7, and will connect you with a peer recovery specialist. ...read more read less