Gambling addiction is spiraling out of control, fueled by the ease of online betting and sports gambling.

This year, over $3 billion is expected to be wagered during March Madness alone.

Yet, the resources to help those struggling with addiction are sorely lacking.

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting, gambling has become a part of daily life. For many, like Jen who lost over $100,000, gambling is dangerously easy. "On your phone, money’s not real," she says. "It’s so easy to lose track of what you’ve lost." Jen’s story is a painful reminder of the true cost of addiction.

Despite the industry's booming profits, treatment and support for gambling addiction have not kept pace. Insurance coverage is limited, and inpatient care is rare. Gambling addiction is as destructive as substance abuse, but it lacks the public health support it needs.

We must demand that the billions generated by gambling go toward funding effective prevention and treatment. States profiting from gambling must invest more in resources for those affected. It’s time to prioritize lives over profits and act now to protect millions of Americans.

Join us in calling for change. We can’t afford to wait any longer.

Photo: SGPN