The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling has seen a consistent increase in calls to its helpline.
Data shows that calls were already on the rise before the legalization of sports betting in 2023, but there was a significant increase after it became legal.
The average number of calls to the helpline quadrupled from 2022 to 2024.
Executive Director of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, Mike Stone, says there is no data showing whether the increase in calls is due to more people struggling or simply more people reaching out for help.
Stone says you can’t watch a sporting event without seeing an ad for online gambling, which includes a message for people with a gambling problem directing them to call 1-800-GAMBLER.
In 2022, before sports betting was legalized, the hotline received an average of 59 calls per month.
In 2023, that average jumped up to 105, and last year it was 270.
However, not every caller is dialing the hotline for help with problem gambling.
Stone said the total calls also include folks that are calling to find out what the winning lottery ticket was or calling to find out what is on the menu and the buffet at the casino.
Call-takers ask callers questions about their gambling habits, including what they would consider their most problematic forms of gambling. Sports betting was named in 2% of calls in 2022 and almost 19% in 2024.
Stone said they are trying to encourage people is to get help because with counseling, with self-help through Gamblers Anonymous, or other means of self-regulation, people can recover from the gambling addiction.
Stone says it is important to note the council isn’t anti-gambling, as research shows 5% of gamblers have a problem. Their goal is to help those who need it.
Source: WBKO
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