Arizona Observes Problem Gambling Awareness Month with Focus on Understanding
March 5, 2025 Marija D
Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Now in its 22nd year, the campaign’s 2025 theme, “Seeking Understanding,” is dedicated to raising awareness of gambling addiction as a significant but often misunderstood mental health issue. The initiative aims to reduce stigma, promote access to treatment, and provide to affected individuals and their families.
State Leaders Address the Impact of Problem Gambling
Governor Katie Hobbs emphasized the importance of addressing problem gambling, noting its widespread impact on families and young people across Arizona. “Problem gambling is a serious issue that impacts thousands of Arizonans, including families and young people,” she said. “As Governor, I am committed to raising awareness and ensuring that those struggling with problem gambling have access to the resources and they need.”
Defined as compulsive gambling behavior that disrupts personal, professional, or family life, problem gambling affects millions nationwide. Research indicates that approximately 2.5 million adults in the U.S. experience severe gambling-related issues, while another 5 to 8 million exhibit mild to moderate problems.
During fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), DPG provided three training sessions for clinical professionals and facilitated treatment for 992 individuals throughout the state. In the same period, the division allocated $1.3 million to fund treatment programs for those affected by gambling disorders.
Arizona continues to develop its self-exclusion program for event wagering and fantasy sports (EWFS), offering those struggling with gambling addiction an option to voluntarily exclude themselves from participation. DPG works closely with tribal gaming entities and EWFS operators to maintain and update the self-exclusion registry. As of fiscal year 2024, 519 new individuals enrolled in the program, bringing the total number of self-exclusions in Arizona to 2,230.
Annual Symposium Encourages Collaboration
As part of this year’s awareness campaign, DPG hosted the 17th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling in Phoenix. The event, themed “Envisioning the Future: A Comprehensive Approach from History to Innovation,” gathered industry professionals, policymakers, and advocates to discuss strategies for prevention, treatment, and education.
“Bringing together innovators, leaders, and decision-makers face-to-face is vital to fostering meaningful dialogue and driving impactful change,” said ADG Director Jackie Johnson. “Our annual DPG Symposium is designed to facilitate discussions, share best practices, and cultivate strategic collaborations. These are key elements in advancing DPG’s mission to provide effective problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs as part of the Department’s broader efforts to mitigate gambling-related harms.”
Acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking help, DPG Director Elise Mikkelsen expressed gratitude for statewide recognition of the issue. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Katie Hobbs for once again proclaiming March as Arizona Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” she said. “We recognize that disparities in access to services and treatment outcomes continue to impact historically underrepresented communities, and we want every Arizonan to know—they are not alone. Through DPG’s free, 24/7 confidential helpline and online resources, individuals across the state can take the first step toward getting the they need.”
The Arizona Lottery remains a strong er of problem gambling awareness initiatives, having contributed $6 million to ADG for prevention, education, and treatment programs. “The Arizona Lottery is dedicated to ing initiatives that alleviate problem gambling as an addiction that can impact individuals from all walks of life,” said Arizona Lottery Executive Director Alec Thomson. “That’s why we remain committed to promoting responsible gaming by increasing awareness of problem gambling, recognizing its warning signs, and ensuring that vital resources are available to those in need.”
For those in need of assistance, DPG encourages individuals to seek through its confidential helpline by calling 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or using the chat feature on the DPG website. The helpline operates 24/7 and connects callers with master’s-level counselors who can provide information on available treatment options. More details and resources can be accessed at problemgambling.az.gov.
Source:
‘’The Arizona Department of Gaming, Arizona Lottery, and the National Council of Problem Gambling Recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month’’ Press Release. March 03, 2025.
