Kentucky experienced a significant surge in calls, texts, and chats to its gambling helpline in 2024. The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) reported that the total number of contacts doubled compared to the previous year.
This increase is largely attributed to legalisation of sports betting and a series of extensive awareness campaigns that promote responsible gambling.
The Kentucky gambling helpline received 3,240 calls last year, a massive increase from previous years. To put things into context, in 2022, the helpline received about 55 calls a month. These rose to 66 calls per month in 2023 before sports betting was legalised in October 2023.
Post-legalisation, the monthly average shot up to 270 calls. The 2024 statistics reveal that an average of 44 people received reportable services each month, representing a 65 percent increase from the previous year.
KYCPG Executive Director Michael R. Stone said the increase highlights awareness of gambling problems. This dramatic increase has raised concerns but also highlighted the importance of reaching out for help. However, he said, “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.”
Stone noted that big ad campaigns helped promote responsible gaming. These ads, particularly those aired during major sports events, not only promoted sports betting but also included messages about gambling problems and the helpline number.
By embedding these messages into high-visibility events, KYCPG reached a large audience, encouraging individuals to think about their gambling behaviors. Stone believes this type of awareness push made a significant difference, as it led people to seek out the help they needed.
The state was struggling with gambling addiction before sports betting was legalised in the state. State data showed approximately 64,000 Kentuckians were estimated to be addicted to gambling, while another 165,000 were with gambling problems. Together, these groups represent a population the size of a large city.
The economic toll of gambling addiction was staggering, with estimates placing the cost to Kentucky’s economy at around $500 million annually. This includes lost work productivity, the financial strain on individuals, and the increased burden on the state’s legal system.
The 2024 helpline statistics also found that men called the helpline three times more often than women. Their main concerns were financial troubles. Sports betting, lotteries, and casino games were the key reasons behind these calls.
In addition, 20 people talked about wanting to end their lives during reaching out via helplines. The KYCPG aims to tackle these problems at its 28th Annual Educational and Awareness Conference set for March in Florence. A key goal for the event would be to increase the number of certified gambling counsellors in Kentucky.
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