Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is Raising Awareness on Problem Gambling Throughout March

Lake County, Illinois — Nicasa Behavioral Health Services (Nicasa), in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM). This year’s theme, “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures,” emphasizes the importance of a community-driven approach to problem gambling awareness and support. The annual campaign aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as encourage healthcare providers to screen for problem gambling and connect individuals to appropriate support.

Problem gambling, defined as gambling behaviors that disrupt or damage personal, family, or professional lives, affects millions of Americans. In the U.S., 2.5 million adults (1%) are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year. Another 5–8 million (2–3%) are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems. Additionally, in the past year, approximately 20 million American adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior. In Illinois, approximately 383,000 people are already experiencing a gambling problem, while an additional estimated 761,000 people are at risk of developing a gambling problem (Illinois Department of Human Services).

“From mobile apps to sports advertising, gambling is more visible and accessible than ever, reaching audiences—particularly youth—who may not yet grasp the potential risks,” said Elizabeth Thielen, LPC, PCGC, Senior Director with Nicasa. “Problem gambling is a community health issue where one individual’s struggle impacts at least 10 others, which is why our focus is on early intervention to support both adults and youth. When one person is hurting, it hurts everyone, and PGAM is an opportunity for Nicasa to realize our mission. When we transform one life, we are also strengthening and supporting the lives of 10 more at the same time.”

A Community-Driven Approach to Awareness and Support

Throughout March, Nicasa will lead efforts focused on increasing public understanding of problem gambling and ensuring individuals are aware of the available prevention, education, treatment, and recovery services in their community. Activities will include:

• Screens and Screens! At the Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge, IL, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Complete a FREE confidential screening and receive free admission to a movie, plus popcorn and a soda. Learn more or register to attend here.
• On Gambling Disorder Screening Day, Nicasa will be providing FREE and confidential screenings at American Place Casino on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Join us for a presentation called “Don’t Let Gambling Be A Drag” on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the LGBTQ+ Center of Lake County from 11:00am to 12:00pm. This is a FREE workshop on safer gambling.
• A 31-day social media campaign focused on providing understanding, knowledge, and advocacy for those affected by problem gambling, all of March.

These efforts reflect a simple truth: when community comes together — friends, families, educators, healthcare providers, local partners, and policymakers — silence is replaced with support, and isolation is replaced with connection. To learn more about problem gambling, please visit nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment or NCPGambling.org/FAQs.

Nicasa encourages local media, partners, and residents to join the effort by sharing resources, uplifting stories of those in recovery, and helping connect people to available support.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem:
Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Text GAMB to 833234
Visit areyoureallywinning.com

About Nicasa Behavioral Health Services: Nicasa Behavioral Health Services is a behavioral health and social service agency that has been serving the residents of Lake County since 1966. Our mission is to transform one life at a time through our behavioral and social health services, which is realized through our vision of strengthening the communities we serve by being the premier behavioral and social health service provider. We provide services across a continuum of care that includes education, prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, treatment, and recovery. Our growth into a six-site, nationally recognized leader in comprehensive substance use prevention and treatment is a result of our ability to seek out those in need, identify strengths and resources, and deliver services that create positive choices and lifelong solutions. All of our services are provided in English and Spanish and include, but are not limited to, substance use treatment, mental health and problem gambling counseling, in-school prevention programming, Teen Court diversion, parent education classes, family advocacy, and a residential recovery halfway house for adults.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling: The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the only national nonprofit organization in the US that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. US and Canadian users can call 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.