March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a national observance led by the National Council on Problem Gambling to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and connect people with support.
The 2026 theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” highlights an important truth: problem gambling doesn’t just affect individuals. It impacts families, relationships, workplaces, and entire communities.
And like many health challenges, it often goes unseen.
Across the United States, millions of people experience some level of gambling-related harm, often in silence. But when communities come together to talk openly, learn the facts, and support one another, that silence can be replaced with understanding and connection.
Why This Matters in Fremont County
Fremont County is home to four casinos, and for many adults, gambling is a form of entertainment. But like alcohol or other behaviors, it can become harmful for some individuals.
Problem gambling is often connected to mental health and substance use, with each influencing the other. Some individuals may use gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, while gambling-related harm can also increase emotional distress. Like substance use disorders, gambling affects the brain’s reward system and decision-making, which can make it harder to stop once patterns develop. In some cases, alcohol or other substances may also be involved, increasing risk. Recognizing these connections helps support a whole-person approach to prevention and care.
Fremont County Prevention has recently expanded its work to include problem gambling awareness, recognizing that this is an important and often overlooked part of community health.
Prevention efforts focus on education, awareness, and early intervention, helping people recognize risks before they escalate.
What Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder, refers to any gambling behavior that negatively impacts a person’s well-being, relationships, or financial stability.
It is recognized as a mental health condition, not a personal failure. Anyone who gambles can be affected, and help is available.
Some common warning signs may include:
- Thinking frequently about gambling
- Feeling the need to gamble more often or with more money
- Trying to win back losses
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences
In more serious cases, gambling harm can contribute to financial strain, relationship challenges, and mental health concerns.
Youth and Gambling: A Growing Concern
One of the most important areas of focus is youth and young adult gambling.
Research shows that many individuals are first exposed to gambling before age 21, increasing the risk of developing harmful patterns later in life. And today, that exposure often happens in ways that don’t always look like traditional gambling.
According to the Fremont County Prevention Parent Support Guide, online gambling can look like a game but involves real money and real risk.
Teens may encounter gambling through:
- Apps, gaming platforms, or social media
- “Loot boxes” or chance-based features in video games
- Online casino-style platforms
Because these experiences are often disguised as entertainment, families may not immediately recognize the risks.
The earlier gambling behaviors begin, the more they can impact brain development, impulse control, and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of future problems.
What Parents Can Watch For
Youth rarely come out and say they are gambling, but there are signs families can look for.
These may include:
- Increased secrecy around phones or online activity
- Talking about “wins,” odds, or betting
- Missing money or unexplained purchases
- Mood changes, irritability, or withdrawal from activities
- Declining school performance or motivation
These signs don’t always mean there is a problem, but they can be an opportunity to start a conversation.
Prevention Starts With Conversation
Just like other areas of prevention, open communication is one of the strongest protective factors.
Parents and caregivers can:
- Talk about what gambling is and how it works
- Set clear expectations around online behavior and spending
- Stay involved in their child’s digital world
- Teach healthy coping skills for stress and boredom
- Model balanced, healthy behaviors
Conversations don’t need to be perfect. What matters most is creating a space where young people feel safe asking questions and talking openly.
A Community Approach to Prevention
Problem Gambling Awareness Month reminds us that prevention is not something one person or organization can do alone.
It takes a community.
In Fremont County, that includes families, schools, healthcare providers, and organizations like Fremont County Prevention, all working together to provide education, reduce stigma, and connect people with support.
When communities lead with compassion and awareness, people are more likely to seek help early and support one another along the way.
Help and Resources
If you or someone you know may be experiencing gambling-related harm, support is available.
Fremont County Prevention
https://fremontcountyprevention.com/gambling/
Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling
https://wyomingcpg.org/resources
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call: 1-800-MY-RESET
Text: 800GAM
Chat: https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat
Fremont Parent Support Guide, click here.
Help is free, confidential, and available for individuals and families.
