West Virginia reports a rise in problem gambling helpline calls
Several other states have experienced the same trend.
West Virginia’s Problem Gambling Help Network has reported a rise in calls, according to a recent WSAZ local news report.
The network’s Marketing Director, Shelia Moran, shared that close to 1,200 West Virginia residents reached out to the group last year for help with problem gambling issues.
She went on to add that the help network has “received an influx of calls over the last year and they anticipate more in the coming months.”
She also shared with local news which demographic groups were calling in more often.
Moran commented, “We used to get more calls from women and middle-aged people when most played slots or video poker machines.
“Now, most callers use mobile devices to bet, either casino games or sports, and we get more calls from younger men.”
The rise in helpline calls is not limited to West Virginia. Several states have reported similar trends during the past year.
A recent study in Florida conducted by the Social Science Research Network has found that players are pulling back on stock market investments to bet on sports.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has also reported a rise in calls to its problem gambling hotline since the market’s opening late last year.
According to the recent report from the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network, help call volume in Illinois more than doubled in 2023 when compared to the call volume in 2022.
Calls to the helpline from Illinois residents have reached nearly 16,000 during the first half of 2024, the report said. This number reflects a 23% boost in calls made during this time period last year.
The Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG) reported that during the first year of regulated sports betting in the Buckeye State, the helpline reported that calls have increased by 55%. The helpline logged 10,637 calls during 2023.
According to the report, calls have been on the rise monthly. Calls during the month of December nearly doubled when compared to activity during this time last year.
Tags/Keywords
Players trust our reporting due to our commitment to unbiased and professional evaluations of the iGaming sector. We track hundreds of platforms and industry updates daily to ensure our news feed and leaderboards reflect the most recent market shifts. With nearly two decades of experience within iGaming, our team provides a wealth of expert knowledge. This long-standing expertise enables us to deliver thorough, reliable news and guidance to our readers.
Latest News
