The manager of the Iowa Gambling Treatment and Prevention Program warns, for many people, placing a few small bets on the NCAA Basketball Tournament can lead to gambling addiction. March is designated as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Eric Preuss says up to two-percent of the state’s adult population — or roughly 43,000 Iowans — have a gambling disorder.

Preuss says people with a gambling disorder can impact a lot of lives.

The Iowa Department of Public Health offers services to counter problem gambling — primarily through the 1-800-BETS-OFF hotline and the website: www.1800BETSOFF.org

March was selected as National Problem Gambling Awareness Month because of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The FBI estimates that more than $2.5 billion is wagered illegally each year on “March Madness.”