Kentucky Helpline Reports Record Calls as Gambling Grows
Kentucky’s gambling helpline saw a surge in activity in 2024, with calls, texts, and chats more than doubling compared to the previous year.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) has attributed the increase to the legalization of sports betting and an increase in advertisements promoting both gambling and responsible gaming resources.
The 1-800-GAMBLER hotline received 3,240 calls in 2024, a significant jump from previous years. Approximately 20% of these contacts led to actionable support, such as referrals to counseling or Gamblers Anonymous. KYCPG Executive Director Michael R. Stone said that the rise reflects a growing awareness of gambling-related issues. However, the organization is uncertain whether this spike indicates more individuals struggling with gambling or a greater willingness to seek help.
Calls Skyrocket Following Sports Betting Legalization
Prior to 2024, the helpline experienced slower growth. For example, in 2022, the hotline averaged 55 calls per month. This rose to 66 monthly calls prior to the October 2023 launch of legal sports betting. By 2024, the monthly average had soared to 270. Additionally, 44 individuals per month received reportable services, representing a 65% increase over 2023.
Stone stressed the impact of large-scale awareness campaigns, noting that sports betting advertisements frequently included messages about problem gambling and helpline information. These ads, often shown during televised sports events, were the state’s most significant effort to raise awareness about responsible gambling. According to Stone, the increased visibility likely encouraged individuals to recognize gambling-related issues and reach out for help.
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Gambling Addiction Costs Kentucky Millions Annually
Before sports betting was legalized, data showed approximately 64,000 Kentuckians suffered from gambling addiction, with another 165,000 experiencing gambling-related problems. Combined, these groups equal the population of a mid-sized Kentucky city. The societal costs of gambling addiction, including lost productivity, financial hardships, and expenses tied to legal and correctional systems, were estimated at $500 million annually.
The 2024 helpline statistics revealed that men called three times more often than women, with financial difficulties being the main concern. The most frequently cited gambling activities were sports betting, lotteries, and casino games. Worryingly, 20 people expressed suicidal thoughts during their interactions with the helpline, demonstrating just how severe the mental health toll gambling addiction can take.
To tackle these challenges, the KYCPG is hosting its 28th Annual Educational and Awareness Conference on March 13-14 at the Cincinnati Airport Hilton in Florence. The conference, themed “Building Toward the Future”, will focus on expanding the number of certified gambling counselors across Kentucky.
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