ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – During March Madness, one of the most widely watched sporting events of the year, conversations around brackets and sports betting become more common, especially among youth and young adults.
As sports betting grows in accessibility and visibility, this time of year can increase exposure and normalize gambling behaviors.
For young people, this can cloud the line between entertainment and risk, making early education and prevention especially important.
With March Madness increasing sports betting, and March also being Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare is using this time to educate and bring awareness to the public through our campaign, “Don’t Let the Game Play You.”
Here @ Home welcomes Sammi Rader, Division Director Prevention Services & Public Relations Prevention & Wellness Services, along with Jacquelyne Abe, Prevention and Wellness Specialist (Gambling) Prevention & Wellness Services to talk about their efforts to raise awareness to encourage informed decision-making, foster healthy habits, and connect individuals to resources before gambling becomes a problem.
Listen to our conversation and reach out if you or someone you know is having a problem with gambling
1-800-MY RESET or BRBH.org/Gambling
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