Charleston, WV (WOAY) – As teams hit the court and fans fill out March Madness brackets, an estimated $10 billion in bets placed on the NCAA Basketball Championships a year. Calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) spike during the month.
March also shares the month with Problem Gambling Awareness Month as bets are placed nationwide.
According to a media release from the WV Lottery in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling, the month of March is all about taking specific action and having conversations about problem gambling issues and directing people to the help they need.
“Across West Virginia, there are resources available for those who may need to seek help for problem gambling,” West Virginia Lottery Director John Myers said. “There are advocacy groups and counseling available to help reach people and ensure a difference can be made to those who may need it. We always want players to play responsibly, and these groups can help those who may be unable to do that.”
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpg.org/chat for confidential help.
For more information about problem gambling and how to increase awareness and action on problem gambling, go to www.ncpgambling.org/pgam .
