Kentucky problem gambling hotline: Calls are on the rise
However, the organization claims increased awareness to signs and dangers could be the cause.
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling assessed recent activity involving its problem gambling hotline, according to a recent Lex18 local news report.
The organization has examined caller activity as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the recent debut of the state’s sports betting market. During the past few months, the number of calls to the hotline has doubled.
Recent survey data shows there are between 47,000 and 67,000 players who suffer from problem gambling. According to figures reported by the council, the state spends close to $430m every year on unemployment, bankruptcy and social services in connection with disordered gambling.
Council Executive Director Michael Stone told local news that the increase in calls could be due to a rise in public awareness surrounding problem gambling. He believes the number of people affected by problem gambling has “remained relatively the same over the years.”
He commented, “More people are recognizing that if I’m gambling to excess, maybe it’s because I’ve got some kind of a problem that I need to deal with.”
He went on to add, “Our purpose as a council is not to advocate for gambling or against gambling, it’s to make sure people know that gambling can have an addictive possibility and there’s help available if people need it.”
Kentucky opened its regulated online sports betting market on September 28. The state opened for in-person retail sports betting on September 7.
During its first month live, in-person sports wagering raked in close to $10m in bets, the Governor said.
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