March brings with it the excitement of March Madness! From building brackets to cheering on your favorite teams, it’s a fun time for basketball fans everywhere.
March is also Problem Gambling Awareness Month. With the upcoming tournament, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to remind fans, their families, and friends, to stay aware of the risks that can come with gambling.
Sports betting has become more common, and that means more people may find themselves taking risks without realizing it. What can start as entertainment can sometimes lead to financial stress or emotional strain. It’s important to know the signs of problem gambling–recognizing the signs early can make a big difference.
Some signs of problem gambling
- Spending more money than planned.
- Feeling stressed, anxious, or upset about gambling.
- Struggling to limit time or money spent on betting.
Help and support are available
If you ever feel gambling is becoming difficult to manage, know you are not alone, and support is within reach. There are several free resources to help you or someone you care about.
Oregon Problem Gambling Resource Helpline
- Call 1-877-695-4648 for 24/7 support.
- Text 503-713-6000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- To speak to someone in Spanish, call 1-844-888-2537.
