Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling reports a rise in 2024 helpline activity
Incoming calls, texts and chats were more than double what was reported in 2023
Key Points
- The KYCPG said the rise in calls could be due to having a full year of sports betting data
- Calls from men to the helpline outnumbers calls from women by a 3-1 margin
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) has reported that incoming calls, texts and chats to the state’s problem gambling helpline have increased in 2024, according to a Northern Kentucky Tribune local report.
In fact, the data shows that calls, texts and chats to the helpline “more than double” last year when compared to data release at the end of 2023.
Research also showed that the ratio of men callers to women callers was 3-1. The study cited that “financial struggles” were the main reason for the contacts.
The KYCPG said that it believes the rise in volume “is attributable to a full year of sports gambling in Kentucky and the accompanying volume of sports gambling advertising that includes responsible gambling/problem gambling messaging.”
Good to know: Kentucky launched its legal sports wagering market in September 2023
However, KYCPG Executive Director Michael R. Stone told local news that the reason behind the spike in calls to the helpline is “is not clear.”
He said, “Certainly, the calls, texts and chats with the helpline increased significantly, starting in October 2023 after sports gambling started in the state. It also is evident more people are aware that gambling can become a problem or addiction, and they are calling the helpline and visiting the KYCPG websites seeking help or information.
“It is not clear whether there is an increase in gambling problems or whether the problems already existed, and more awareness and responsibility messaging are driving the contacts.”
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