WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — This month brings excitement with the NCAA basketball tournaments but it also brings in more sports betting.
March Madness is in full swing and millions of brackets have been filled out for the tournament.
Even Stefanie Wolownik with Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services is taking part in the fun.
“My family and I, we just play for fun, we play for bragging rights we call them.”
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But this month is recognized for more than just basketball.
“March has always been designated as problem gambling awareness month because of March Madness.”
Wolownik says sports betting falls hand in hand with gambling because it’s all about taking a risk. There’s nothing wrong with doing it as long as you’re being smart.
“Go with an amount of money you can afford to lose and intend on losing that money. Don’t intend on winning. Don’t try to make money gambling because you’re going to end up losing in the end.”
Going all in the organization spreads awareness about problem gambling in local schools.
Drawings done by Greater Nanticoke High School Seniors an important factor in prevention since male teens and early 20-year-olds have a higher risk of developing a gambling addiction.
“One kid told me he was playing GTA 5 I think it was, that has the casino in it, and he was 93 million dollars in debt.”
The center on North Main Street in Wilkes-Barre has seen an uptick in people seeking help in the last five years. During 2020 alone there was a 400% online gambling spike.
But Wolownik says you can help spread the word by knowing when to step in and acknowledge it’s a problem.
“When you’re losing money too fast when you’re spending money you don’t have. When you’re in debt, when you’re thinking about doing something illegal to get that money, those are all warning signs.”
If you believe you or something you know may struggle with problem gambling you can find resources here.
