Gambling Problem Calls Soar in Kentucky as Sports Gambling Takes Off
Lexington, Ky. – A significant uptick in gambling problem calls in Kentucky over the past year has drawn increased attention from the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. The introduction of sports gambling within the state appears to be a major driver of this alarming trend.
Dramatic Increase in Gambling Help Calls
Data released by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling reveals a stark rise in calls to the state’s gambling addiction hotline. In 2024, calls doubled compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing issue.
The Impact of Sports Gambling
Before the legalization of sports gambling, the average number of contacts per month at the state’s problem gambling hotline hovered around 66 in the first eight months of 2023. This number surged to 270 monthly contacts in 2024. The introduction of legal sports betting has significantly increased the accessibility and frequency of gambling, with a consequent rise in addiction rates.
Expert Perspective and Industry Response
Dr. Ronsonlyn Clark, a prominent voice in addressing gambling addiction, sheds light on this concerning trend. “It’s not surprising that we’re seeing a spike,” Clark notes. “Think of it as a 2% crossover; those individuals who had a casual relationship with gambling have now developed an addiction, akin to substance abuse.”
Industry Efforts to Mitigate Risk
Gabe Prewitt, Vice President of Racing and Sports Wagering at Red Mile Gaming and Racing, emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling practices. “We have a duty to provide resources and safeguards to our patrons. We’re not only watching closely but also implementing measures to mitigate potential risks,” Prewitt says.
Red Mile Gaming partners with Caesars Entertainment to develop internal protocols aimed at identifying and addressing potential gambling triggers. These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to promoting gambling awareness and helping individuals recognize their addiction early on.
The Need for Enhanced Counseling Services
With the growing incidence of problem gambling, the shortage of certified gambling counselors becomes increasingly critical. Dr. Clark addresses the pressing need for more professionals trained to treat gambling addictions. “Understanding the nuances of gambling addiction is crucial. We need qualified counselors to provide the necessary support and guidance,” Clark stresses.
Upcoming Conference to Tackle the Issue
In response to this urgent need, a conference is being organized in Florence in March. The primary objective is to equip more professionals with the skills and certifications required to serve as gambling counselors across the state. This initiative aims to significantly expand the pool of certified counselors, thereby enhancing support for those struggling with addiction.
Gambling Awareness and Prevention: A Call to Action
As Kentucky continues to navigate the complexities of legalized sports gambling, it is imperative that resources and support are readily available. Everyone has a role to play in addressing problem gambling. Whether it’s seeking help through available resources or supporting initiatives aimed at increasing counseling services, collective effort is essential.
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Gambling problem calls in Kentucky greatly increased in the past 12 months at the very least according to the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling.
The council is addressing that issue daily with a gambling addiction hotline stationed in Owensboro.
Calls to the Kentucky Problem Gambling Helpline more than doubled in 2024 versus 2023.
It’s not at all a shock to me,” Dr. Ronsonlyn Clark said. Clark puts some of the numbers in perspective.
“That 2% out there crossed over into an addiction, and it’s not much different than someone with a substance addiction,” Clark added.
Here’s a major difference:
Before sports gambling was introduced in Kentucky, average contacts increased to 66 at the hotline in the first eight months of 2023. In 2024, average contacts jumped to 270 per month.
Red Mile Gaming and Racing’s VP of Racing and Sports Wagering, Gabe Prewitt, keeps an eye on the numbers.
“You’ve got to have those resources available out there. It’s irresponsible quite frankly, not to,” Prewitt said. Partnering with Caesars Entertainment, Prewitt says Red Mile tries to put in as many safeguards as possible.
“If there’s anything we can do or identify, they have different measures in place even internally with Caesars to identify the possible triggers that could be issues and then react from there,” Prewitt said.
From now until a week from Sunday, while regulated sportsbooks gear up for the Big Game, the biggest event on the sports calendar, Dr. Clark is addressing a significant need in the commonwealth: More certified counselors to help gambling addicts.
“You need to know what you are doing when you’re treating a gambler. It’s not that hard but we do need to get you trained,” Clark noted.
Problem and addicted gambling in Kentucky will be the subject of a conference in Florence in March. The goal is to increase the number of certified gambler counselors across the state.
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