In the past year, 77% of adult Iowans gambled and 16% experienced a problem related to their gambling, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. March is problem gambling awareness month. Audrey Schroer with Prelude Behavioral Services, says there are three categories of signs of problem gambling: behavioral, emotional and financial. Some of these signs can be feeling guilty after gambling, gambling more money or for a longer time than you intended, and causing financial stress for your family due to gambling habits.

Schroer advises 1-800-BETS-OFF has resources for Iowans on the phone or online. Also, people can restrict their access to gambling, whether that is casino-based or lottery tickets. She adds, the self-exclusion is available and can only be done by the individual and does not include tribal operated casinos in Iowa. The exclusion is a lifetime ban to all 19 state-run Iowa casinos. Also, Prelude Behavioral Services offers gambling counseling.

For more information about dealing with problem gambling listen to the Washington Page with Schroer at KCIIRadio.com.