March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and state leaders say the pandemic has altered had to get their message out.
Jennifer Smith is the Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs in Pennsylvania.
“Just as other behavioral providers have risen to meet the complex challenges of COVID-19, so to has the problem gambling treatment provider community,” Smith said. “They adapted their practices to provide telehealth services to meet the need of vulnerable Pennsylvania citizens.”
The pandemic has led to an uptick in online gambling with the shutdown of casinos. However, the traditional casino still accounts for a majority of gambling in Pennsylvania with the state bringing in $2.5 billion in general revenue last year.
If you have a gambling problem, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER.