Jul 1, 2026 | ABOUT MNAPG, ADVOCACY
Each March, organizations across the nation come together to observe Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), a grassroots public health campaign aimed at increasing understanding of gambling-related harm and promoting prevention, treatment and recovery resources. In 2026, the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) played a central role in advancing these goals statewide, aligning its efforts with the national theme of “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures.”
Throughout the month, MNAPG focused on expanding public conversation around sweepstakes casinos, sports betting and prediction markets, all of which continue to grow in visibility and accessibility. Educational messaging highlighted the increased risks associated with mobile gambling apps, pervasive advertising and the normalization of betting tied to major sporting events.
MNAPG staff delivered customized in-person and virtual presentations during PGAM to students, educators, healthcare professionals and community organizations. These sessions covered emerging gambling markets, youth prevention strategies and the convergence of gaming and gambling, equipping communities with practical tools to recognize warning signs and reduce stigma.
A major emphasis of PGAM 2026 in Minnesota was youth gambling prevention. MNAPG emphasized the importance of early intervention, urging families and schools to discuss gambling risks openly and proactively. Media outreach during March reinforced that earlier exposure increases the likelihood of long-term harm, particularly for young people navigating digital environments where gambling-like features are commonplace. MNAPG was pleased that many media outlets featured its executive director to discuss troubling trends among youth and young adults and the growing need for prevention efforts.
MNAPG also re-aired its “Elephant in the Room” PSA on select streaming services. The campaign generated encouraging engagement, with many viewers visiting the organization’s website for additional information and resources.
Each year, MNAPG promotes National Gambling Disorder Screening Day on the second Tuesday in March, encouraging healthcare and behavioral health providers to screen for gambling disorder and connect individuals to appropriate support services. This effort aligns with national best practices and reinforces that gambling disorder is a treatable condition deserving of routine screening.
PGAM 2026 was formally recognized at the state level, with Governor Tim Walz proclaiming March 2026 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Minnesota. MNAPG continues to advocate for Minnesota to include gambling addiction within its prevention education efforts for middle and high school students.
MNAPG’s collaboration with government agencies, nonprofit partners and media outlets amplified consistent messaging across the state and helped ensure Minnesotans knew where to turn for help. Public communications regularly highlighted confidential, no-cost resources, including the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-333-HOPE), free financial counseling services and subscriptions to Gamban, a gambling site-blocking tool.
PGAM 2026 reinforced MNAPG’s mission to build informed, compassionate communities that understand gambling-related harm and support recovery. By aligning education, youth prevention, provider engagement and cross-sector partnerships, MNAPG is helping lay the groundwork for stronger futures for individuals, families and communities.
Free Problem Gambling Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)?
PGAM is a grassroots public health campaign observed each March aimed at increasing understanding of gambling-related harm and promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery resources nationwide.
What was the theme for PGAM 2026?
The national theme for Problem Gambling Awareness Month in 2026 was “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures.”
How does MNAPG support youth gambling prevention?
MNAPG emphasizes early intervention, delivers customized presentations to students and educators, and advocates for including gambling addiction within state prevention education efforts for middle and high school students.
Jul 1, 2026 | ADVOCACY, SPORTS BETTING
Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session ended with mixed results regarding gambling expansion. While the sports betting bill failed early in the session, lawmakers devoted considerable attention to proposals addressing prediction markets and online sweepstakes casinos.
A bill targeting prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket advanced quickly through the Legislature. The measure seeks to classify certain contracts on sports, current events and other outcomes as gambling, and makes participation a felony. Supporters argued that allowing these markets to operate undermines Minnesota’s authority to determine which forms of gambling are legal, permits individuals as young as 18 to place wagers and generates no tax revenue for the state. MNAPG and the National Council on Problem Gambling maintain that these products function as gambling and should be subject to stronger consumer protections. Minnesota’s action has drawn national attention, and other states are exploring similar approaches.
In contrast, legislation to ban online sweepstakes casinos did not advance. Advocates raised concerns about their addictive potential, lack of regulation and impact on tribal gaming exclusivity, but lawmakers ultimately chose not to act.
Looking ahead, both sports betting and sweepstakes casino legislation are likely to return next year. With significant legislative turnover expected, MNAPG will continue educating policymakers about consumer protections and the need for funding for treatment, education, prevention and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Minnesota in 2026?
No. The sports betting bill failed early in the 2026 Minnesota legislative session, meaning sports betting remains illegal in the state.
What are prediction markets, and why are they controversial in Minnesota?
Prediction markets are platforms where individuals can wager on the outcomes of future events. In Minnesota, a 2026 bill sought to classify certain contracts on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket as gambling, making participation a felony, due to concerns about accessibility to those under 18 and lack of tax revenue.
Are online sweepstakes casinos legal in Minnesota?
Legislation to ban online sweepstakes casinos did not advance in the 2026 session, despite concerns from advocates about their addictive potential, lack of regulation, and impact on tribal gaming exclusivity.
Jul 1, 2026 | ABOUT MNAPG, ADVOCACY
Addressing gambling addiction — from prevention to treatment to advocacy — truly takes the proverbial village. One essential part of that effort is gaming operators, who work on the frontlines of the gambling environment every day.
The example set by Jackpot Junction Casino, located about two hours west of Minneapolis, demonstrates how a gaming operator can play a meaningful role in promoting responsible gambling and protecting its patrons.
It starts with a commitment from the top. “Our mission statement represents our philosophical beliefs,” says Steve Griffiths, general manager of Jackpot Junction. “It reflects our belief in protecting our community from harm and in making sure our staff recognizes those who may show signs of problem gambling.”
That commitment is clearly articulated in the casino’s mission statement, which is prominently featured in its human resources materials:
The Lower Sioux Indian Community and Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel do not seek to profit from the illness of others. Our responsibility is to ensure that gambling remains an entertainment activity, never a source of harm. We are committed to staff training, heightened awareness, and clear protocols that help our team recognize and respond to signs of problem gambling and underage gambling. Through compassionate action, information, and access to support resources, we work to protect our guests, our community and the integrity of our operations.
How Jackpot Junction Supports Responsible Gambling
- Providing staff training to help employees recognize signs of problem gambling and offer appropriate resources when needed.
- Offering a self-exclusion program for patrons who wish to limit their access to gambling. Coordinating the production of public service announcements with media partners — often at no cost.
- Displaying responsible gambling messaging on billboards, internal television monitors and in printed materials to reinforce awareness.
- Giving patrons the option at redemption kiosks to donate spare change to charitable organizations, including Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling.
Steve notes that if five to 10 other casinos offered the same donation option at their redemption kiosks, it could generate a few thousand dollars per month in important, non-restrictive funding for MNAPG.
“There is real responsibility when you run these establishments,” Steve adds. “Gambling revenue is the lifeblood for many tribes, but it has to be balanced with a commitment to doing things the right way. That’s why we’ve put these measures in place — so we can help ensure gambling remains entertainment and not something that causes harm.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jackpot Junction promote responsible gambling?
Jackpot Junction promotes responsible gambling through staff training to recognize signs of problem gambling, offering self-exclusion programs, displaying responsible gambling messaging throughout the casino, and coordinating public service announcements with media partners.
Can I donate to MNAPG at a casino?
Yes. At Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel, patrons have the option to donate spare change to charitable organizations, including MNAPG, directly at redemption kiosks.
Why is casino staff training important for responsible gambling?
Staff training is essential because casino employees are on the frontlines and can recognize signs of problem gambling or underage gambling, allowing them to offer appropriate support resources before harm escalates.
Apr 10, 2026 | ADVOCACY, RESEARCH
For the first time, federal research funding will be available to study gambling addiction. The fiscal year 2026 defense appropriations package includes language allowing gambling disorder to be researched through the Department of Defense’s Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).
The Senate report clarifies that gambling addiction is an eligible research topic under the program. While the funding is limited to military and veteran populations, the change represents the first time a federal medical research program has explicitly supported peer-reviewed research on gambling addiction, reflecting growing recognition of the issue as a public health concern.
The inclusion is especially relevant for servicemembers and veterans, who face elevated risk for gambling-related harm. Research has found strong links between gambling disorder and suicide risk; among veterans seeking treatment for a gambling problem, nearly 40 percent report a suicide attempt. Military populations may also experience higher exposure to risk factors such as stress, trauma and ready access to high-risk gambling environments.
Gambling addiction has historically received little attention in federal research portfolios, leaving gaps in evidence to guide prevention, early intervention and treatment. Advocates say expanding research access is an important step toward improving understanding and care for affected populations.
This funding must be appropriated each year. NCPG will be closely monitoring and working with their lobbyists to support funding renewal.
Apr 10, 2026 | ADVOCACY
A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) grant is helping a Twin Cities broadcaster bring much-needed awareness about gambling addiction to the Latino community through a culturally informed, data-driven campaign.
The five-year grant, renewed annually, supports outreach led by La Raza, which owns two Spanish-language radio stations serving the region. According to president Maya Santamaria, the organization took on the project because the need was clear.
“In our community, there hasn’t been intentional messaging about problem gambling,” she explained. Like other addictions, gambling disorder is often taboo in Latino communities, making it less likely to be discussed openly or addressed early.
Before launching the campaign, Maya and her team met with community leaders to better understand local perspectives and concerns about gambling. They then surveyed the community about their gambling behaviors to get a sense of the extent of problem gambling.
“We wanted data instead of just making assumptions,” says Maya.
The survey results helped shape a comprehensive public awareness campaign designed to meet people where they are. Outreach includes Spanish-language radio segments, social media content, digital advertising, television placements and messaging in online newspapers. Many materials were translated and adapted from MNAPG resources to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.
The timing of the campaign has presented challenges. Maya noted concerns that Operation Metro Surge, a period of increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, might distract community members from the messaging. At the same time, she believes the heightened stress and economic disruption caused by the operation may have increased gambling risk.
“Many people lost jobs or income and were experiencing trauma and uncertainty,” she said. “When people are under that kind of stress, they may look for what feels like a quick way to make money.”
The current phase of the project began in January and runs through June. La Raza will use digital analytics and media performance reports to evaluate the reach and effectiveness of the campaign and share the results with DHS.
By combining trusted community voices, culturally responsive messaging and reliable data, the initiative represents an important step toward breaking stigma and ensuring Latino Minnesotans know that help for gambling problems is available and accessible.
By Bill Stein
Mar 31, 2026 | ABOUT MNAPG, ADVOCACY
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and this year MNAPG staff spent the month sharing information about problem gambling as a public health issue across Minnesota and beyond. From radio and TV interviews to newspaper features and podcast appearances, we reached communities statewide with resources, warning signs and support options.
Here is a recap of our media appearances throughout the month:
Radio
WCCO Radio (Appearance 1) — March 3, 2026
WCCO Radio (Appearance 2) — March 16, 2026
WDKE — March 16, 2026
MPR — March 23, 2026
Television
KVRR — March 4, 2026
St. Cloud Live — March 7, 2026
WCCO-TV — March 9, 2026
KAAL-TV— March 19, 2026
KTTC-TV— March 20, 2026
FOX — March 20, 2026 (segment begins at 12:10)
Online and Print
WCCO Online — March 19, 2026
Grand Rapids Herald
Duluth News Tribune (Letter to the Editor) — March 26, 2026
Podcasts
StribSports Daily Delivery, Star Tribune — March 19, 2026 Susan Sheridan Tucker joined host Michael Rand to discuss prediction markets and why platforms operating like sports betting sites are accessible even in states where sports betting is not yet legalized.
MPR News Presents — March 23, 2026 Host Catharine Richert and guests explored the impact of online sports betting and prediction markets on Minnesotans.
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