Governor Kim Renoylds declared March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month to highlight an issue that affects 13% of Iowans. Problem gambling can manifest itself in many different forms; gambling to escape problems, being dishonest with loved ones, and chasing a “high” that’s associated with winning. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 13% percent of adult Iowans say they have experienced a problem related to gambling.

Gambling Education Coordinator for Prelude Iowa Kirk Nesset says people who suffer from gambling addiction can often hide their symptoms better than those who deal with alcohol or substance abuse, “If I had an issue with alcohol, my family would be able to tell. They’d be able to smell it or the side effects would be there, much like a substance abuse issue would. However, with a gambling problem, it can go on for so much longer because I can lie to my wife, my kids, my employer, my neighbors, my friends about what I’m doing or where I’m at. And If I’m in control of my family’s finances maybe nobody would even know for a decade or even longer.”

Nesset recommends if you or a loved one shows signs of problem gambling to seek help at yourlifeiowa.org/gambling or by calling 1-800-BETS-OFF.