La. ranked 4th for most gambling-addicted state

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – An April 2024 report from WalletHub listed Louisiana among the top five states where residents are addicted to gambling the most.

Louisiana came in fourth, whereas Mississippi is listed as seventh and Arkansas is listed as no. 40. According to the latest report, the gambling industry made a record $66.5 billion in revenue in 2023; while U.S. consumers experience over $100 billion per year in total gambling losses.

WalletHub writes that when gambling gets out of control, it becomes a real medical condition. William McCown, who’s a professor and licensed clinical psychologist at ULM and also president of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, said the state understands how serious gambling is affecting some residents. But there are resources available.

“Louisiana has, in my opinion, and I’ve studied this topic for about 30 years, the best in-patient facilities for gambling of any place in the world. Those are located in Shreveport. We can provide complete residential services for people that need them. Not everybody needs residential services when they have a gambling problem but more severe cases do,” said McCown.

McCown said the state provides intensive outpatient services.

“And by calling the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling, you can get liaised with a counselor in your community very quickly – sometimes in less than two hours,” said McCown.

LACG’s helpline services include:

• Louisiana’s Problem Gamblers Helpline: 1-877-770-7867
• Louisiana Substance Abuse Helpline: 1-877-664-2248

If you or someone you know is ready to seek treatment for a gambling problem, call 1-318-424-4357 to speak with an intake specialist from LACG.

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