Hey everyone, I'm Lena Banks – a Certified Financial Planning professional and small business coach based in Austin, TX. Welcome to Financial Therapy!

Today we're talking about a growing public health concern: gambling. Gambling addiction and problem gambling are rapidly increasing in the U.S., with around 2.5 million adults facing severe (and 5 to 8 million facing mild/moderate) gambling problems. Nearly 10% of young U.S. men (aged 18-30) now show signs of gambling problems, and addiction rates are surging among young people overall.

If you or someone you know is struggling with this concern, help is available. Reach out to these organizations for confidential, 24/7 support:

- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-MY-RESET; text: 800GAM; or chat online: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/

- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Don't wait. The goal here is to give us all ways to be more secure and confident in our financial decision-making, and to have a greater sense of well-being overall.

Call or text to submit your feedback and questions for the show: 1-844-4FINPOD (1-844-434-6763)