The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) dedicates March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the 22nd such anniversary. Across New Mexico, RGANM offers year-round outreach, prevention, and treatment for those affected by problem gambling. It’s estimated that about 2 million adults nationally meet the criteria for severe problem gambling. In March 2025, RGANM is also launching a student art contest to provide artwork for an upcoming 2026 educational calendar.
“In the last year, we have seen a rise in sports betting, both at some New Mexico casinos as well as online apps. The penetration of online gaming in both adults and youth is also increasing,” said Shannon Dictson, the association’s president and the coordinator of the Mescalero Responsible Gaming Program in Mescalero, New Mexico. “Requests for help on our website increased in 2024 as did calls to our free and confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by counselors trained in problem gambling treatment.”
March is not only Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it is also when the annual college basketball tournament is held. Americans are expected to wager more than $3 Billion dollars on the March Madness tournament, with players making bets in Las Vegas, online gaming, sportsbooks, and office pools. It was estimated that for the recent NFL Super Bowl, Americans wagered $1.39 Billion dollars, according to the American Gaming Association.
“Gambling has become pervasive across the United States in the last few years,” said Dictson. “In New Mexico, the collaboration of Native American tribes that formed the Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico before casinos even opened in 1997 knew that help would be needed. RGANM provides many helpful resources, including free treatment, that are available for the gambler and their family. We hold an annual August seminar for treatment providers, which helps educate them on the latest research and options to help problem gamblers and run public service announcements on how to find help.”
Our website provides more information and resources for treatment providers can be found at RGANM.org or by calling the RGANM Helpline at 888-696-2440. Nationwide statistics and resources can be found on the NCPG website at ncpgambling.org.
