Increases in calls to problem gambling hotlines from sports betting: More than meets the eye
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission recently aggregated some data about problem gambling, including the early data that covers the launch of online sports betting in the commonwealth.
That data shows that there is a rise in calls. In a vacuum, that is seen and reported on as inherently bad. But the data is a lot more complicated than just “MORE CALLS ARE BAD.”
Here’s the problem gambling data
State helplines are noting significant upticks in calls for help after the legalization and launch of sports betting. Ohio most recently noted calls to their problem gambling helpline increased 227% from January 2022 to January 2023, they launched sports betting January 1, 2023. Colorado recently reported a 45% increase in their helpline calls since the launch of sports betting. In Virginia, gambling expansion is cited for the cause of a 77% increase in helpline calls. Data since the launch of sports wagering from the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline is not publicly available at this time, but the Department of Public Health is monitoring trends. An FY23 report is anticipated in September. However, for the period of February 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, 872 calls, chats and texts have been received from Massachusetts to the national problem gambling helpline 1-800-Gambler, an increase of 730% increase from the same period last year.
Let’s start here: Yes, a new form of gambling, especially something as accessible as online sports betting, comes with more problem gamblers. There’s no denying that.
That being said, there’s some noise in that data, as well. Here are some examples.
People are actually getting help
There were already lots of people betting on sports before any state legalized it. And people were also betting on all manner of things without much knowledge of how to get help if they were concerned about a problem with their gambling.
That people are actually picking up a phone to ask for help can be seen as a positive development. I have news for you: Local bookies and offshore sportsbooks are not helping you with your gambling problems and getting you to proper resources.
Some of the increased volume is simply because of the visibility and promotion of hotlines. On the apps themselves, increasingly in advertising, etc., people can now find these hotlines more easily than ever before.
Some people don’t know they are calling a problem gambling hotline
The other data point is that not 100% of callers have a gambling problem. They see the number and think it’s for something other than a hotline for gambling help, in some amount of cases.
Here’s a good piece from Bonus.com on this phenomenon (even though it’s a year old, go read it, if you are interested in this topic). Some people think they are calling customer service, or for information, or something else, simply because the number is oftentimes easy to find. Not every call to a hotline is a new problem gambler.
My only point is…
Increases in calls to hotlines have more behind them than just the sheer increase in volume, especially in small sample sizes.
In the current era, where it’s popular to say the proliferation of sports betting is one of society’s greatest ills, I am just hoping some context comes along with the reporting.
It doesn't mean we should ignore the data, or wish away increases in problem gambling. But that data is just one data point that needs more interrogation.