Calls increase to Kentucky gambling help hotline in 2024

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – It’s been just over a year since sports betting became legal in Kentucky.

For some people, the new form of gambling has turned into a struggle.

The Kentucky Council for Problem Gambling has seen an increase in calls for people struggling.

From January through September 2024, the hotline received a total of 2,302 calls. Their numbers show 348 callers reported sports betting as their most problematic form of gambling.

In a month-by-month breakdown, the statistics show the peak time for calls this year was in March, with a total of 470. February follows behind with 340 calls.

August 2024 shows 203 calls, a large jump from 2023 which Michael Stone, executive director at Kentucky Council for Problem Gambling says was 88 during the month.

But Stone says the number of people suffering from gambling related issues has not increased, they are just becoming aware that it can become a problem.

“The Commonwealth of Kentucky has set aside money to help raise further awareness and to provide treatment for our problem and addicted gamblers,” Stone says.

Kelly Buckley, managing principal with the Spectrum Finance Alliance argues that the increase of sports betting revenue enables gambling addictions further.

“I’ve seen it in my clients. and it does take over. And it causes people to spend far more money than they have for entertainment, which is what it’s billed as. And to miss house payments and to wreck their credit ratings,” Buckley says.

“We already have a lot of addiction in our society, we don’t need anymore,” Buckley says.

Stone says the council does not have any definitive evidence to show the legalization of sports betting is creating more problems with addicted gamblers.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with gambling issues or addiction you can call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-(426-2537).

The hotline runs 24 hours and 7 days a week.

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