The number of calls to Kentucky’s problem gambling hotline have tripled since sports betting became legal in September.
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling says the number caught them by surprise.
Michael Stone, the council’s executive director, said he expected a steady progression as sports betting evolved but did not expect a tripling of the raw calls and doubling of the help calls in the first month.
Stone says Kentucky has only seven qualified counselors across the state.
While 2.5% of the revenue from sports gambling is to be set aside for the problem gambling fund, that money likely won’t be available until midway through 2024. That is projected to be an estimated $1.2 million per year.
There is a plan to train and certify additional counselors around the state. A 30-hour clinic is set for January and is paid for by the council.
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that one percent of U.S. adults have a gambling disorder.
Kentucky’s problem gambling hotline is 1-800-GAMBLER and is answered by people within the state.
Source: WBKO
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