March Madness

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – (March 16, 2026) – Crafting brackets and chasing the perfect combination has become a staple of March Madness, but participants need to know their odds, especially when gambling is involved. ESPN Men’s Tournament Challenge reported an all-time record of 24.4 million brackets completed prior to the 2025 tournament season, and not a single one was perfect. Some participants attached bets to their brackets, with the American Gaming Association estimating nearly $3.1 billion wagered, up over 12% from $2.7 billion in 2024.

That is why gambling disorder prevention experts at Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE), a regional not-for-profit serving individuals with behavioral and mental health issues, are teaming up with local restaurants to educate the public about responsible gambling. As part of National Problem Gambling Awareness month, participating locations will display flyers illustrating responsible gambling tips and warning signs of problem gambling.

“It’s easier than ever to engage with online sports betting,” explained LRE Prevention Manager Amy Embury, MA, LLP CPC-R, CAADC. “Nearly half of American adults have bet on a sporting event, with 45% of sports wagering now taking place through the internet. We encourage everyone to be aware of resources such as www.stayoutofthedangerzone.com, the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline and the National Council on Problem Gambling.” 

The rate of gambling problems among sports bettors is at least twice as high as among gamblers in general. Contributing factors include the ease of access internet gambling provides, making it available virtually all the time, and live betting, allowing sports gamblers to bet during the game on any number of discrete events.

“With this campaign, we aim to reach and educate sports bettors where they congregate socially, before gambling becomes a problem,” says Arbor Circle Prevention Manager of Youth Services Zach Yokom, LLMSW & MPA. “It is important that individuals struggling with problem gambling know there is help available. Educating and identifying when sports betting crosses the line into problem gambling is essential for preventing financial trouble, strained relationships, job issues and health problems.”

Top 5 Gamble Responsibly Tips:

1. Set limits on the money you spend and stick with it
2. Bet only what you can afford to lose
3. Don’t use drugs or alcohol when gambling
4. Set time limits.  Use timers or alerts to take breaks
5. Avoid gambling when depressed, upset or alone

Top 5 Warning Signs/Risks for a Gambling Disorder:

1. Lying to cover up gambling activities
2. Increasing the amount you spend gambling to achieve a desired excitement
3. Feeling restless or irritable when you try reducing or stopping gambling
4. Trying to cut back on gambling without success
5. Gambling when distressed

Editor’s note: Embury and/or Yokom are available for interviews. Please contact Spencer Wheelock at wheelock@seyferthpr.com or 616-776-3511 to arrange.

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About Stay Out of the Danger Zone: 

Stay Out of the Danger Zone is a free, local prevention resource designed to encourage responsible gambling by empowering adults to understand the risks associated with gambling, including warning signs.  Stay Out of the Danger Zone is powered by the Lakeshore Regional Entity, the public behavioral health plan for persons with mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorders in Allegan, Kent, Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and Ottawa counties. The LRE is one of 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP) in Michigan and manages the services provided under a contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to residents in the region who are enrolled in Medicaid or under-insured.  Through its commitment to prevention, the LRE powers www.stayoutofthedangerzone.com, a free, online prevention resource. 

About the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline:

The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-270-7117, is available for questions, crisis intervention and referral to treatment. Trained and experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or virtually to provide immediate help to address issues related to gambling disorder, including screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling: 

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is neutral on legalized gambling. Based in Washington DC, NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET or visit Helpline Home - National Council on Problem Gambling. Help is available 24/7 – it is free and confidential.