March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) established Problem Gambling Awareness Month in 2003 to increase public awareness about problem gambling while promoting prevention, treatment and recovery services.

FARGO, N.D. – It’s Selection Sunday for the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, and pretty soon a lot of people are going to come down with a case of bracket fever.

But, if you plan on wagering any money on the games, it’s important to do so responsibly.

March is actually problem gambling awareness month.

While online sportsbook betting is not legal in either North Dakota or Minnesota, that doesn’t stop many from betting through illegal offshore websites – and the losses can be devastating.

Those who try to help people with gambling addictions note that it can be particularly pervasive for college-age kids.

“Young people don’t know risk. Their brains haven’t developed enough to know risk,” said Susan Sheridan Tucker from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling.

“This is where the protection element comes in, right? We want people to be aware that these things do have consequences long-term.”

The Minnesota House of Representatives just introduced another bill attempting to legalize sports betting in the state two days ago.

The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling says they’re not necessarily opposed to legalization, but they do worry about the behavior becoming normalized.