March 16, 2015 (Rochester, NY) ─ March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month with March Madness activities beginning March 17th. The increased amount of sports betting surrounding “March Madness” makes March a good time to have the conversation about problem gambling with friends, partners, and children, says the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area.

Sports betting is the most popular form of gambling among youth 14-22. Nearly 25 percent of males bet on sports in an average month. An estimated 60 million Americans filled out sports brackets last year, and according to Las Vegas oddsmaker Pregame.com., about $12 billion is wagered on the March Madness tournament, making March the largest month for individual bets

For problem gamblers, March Madness describes their strong, persistent urges to gamble regardless of the consequences. Gambling is all around us and social pressure to gamble can be strong. Sports betting is a particularly easy way for someone to be introduced to gambling. Office pools and bracket competitions happen in the workplace, at schools and among friends and can make people feel like part of a team.

While gambling can be an entertaining pastime for some, for others it can quickly become a problem. If you or your loved one finds themselves preoccupied with betting, lying about how much money has been bet, feeling anxious or sleepless due to their betting activity, or borrowing money to keep betting, it is very possible that there is a problem with gambling. Gambling can be a serious addiction that negatively impacts a person’s job, relationships, health, well-being, and finances.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area (NCADD-RA) provides education, resources and referrals for family members affected by the problem gambling of a loved one. Presentations are available upon request to parent, school and community groups to increase awareness to the potential risks of problem gambling with emphasis on the risks associated with underage problem gambling.

The mission of NCADD-RA is to provide research and evidence-based substance abuse and problem gambling prevention services to a diverse population through education, support, resources, advocacy and referral. Our staff works to positively influence the social norms which perpetuate the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and problem gambling.

For more ideas on how to have the conversation, and information on problem gambling prevention and counseling resources, visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area (NCADD-RA) at www.ncadd-ra.org or call (585) 719-3480.