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In Case You Missed It: Data Show Problem Gambling, Addiction Surges in Other States After Legalization of Online Sports Gambling

In Case You Missed It: Data Show Problem Gambling, Addiction Surges in Other States After Legalization of Online Sports Gambling

Sacramento, CA – Calls to problem gambling hotlines from those seeking help for gambling addiction exploded in multiple states after legalization of online and mobile sports betting, according to a compilation of data released today by the NO on Prop 27 coalition.

Problem gambling agencies in other states have reported staggering increases in call volume to their problem gambling hotlines – doubling, tripling and even quintupling after online sports betting was legalized.

Prop 27 on the November ballot would legalize the largest expansion on online and mobile sports gambling in American history and multiply the risks of problem gambling here in California. Notably, Prop 27 does not dedicate a single penny to California’s Office of Problem Gambling or other addiction treatment services.

Spikes in Call Volume to Problem Gambling Hotlines by State:

• New Jersey – The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey reported a 500% spike in calls into the problem gambling hotline since online sports gambling was legalized in 2018.
• Michigan – The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services reported a nearly 300% increase in calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline following the legalization of online and mobile sports gambling and iGaming. Referrals for gambling treatment also grew by 42%.
• Pennsylvania – The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania reported a 285% spike in total calls to the problem gambler hotlinesince legalization of online and mobile sports gambling and iGaming.
• Connecticut – The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling reported that calls to the problem gambler hotline have more than TRIPLED since the legalization of online and mobile sports gambling and iGaming.
• Virginia – The Virginia Council on Problem Gambling reported a 114% rise in calls to the problem gambling hotline calls since legalization of online and mobile sports gambling.
• Illinois – The Illinois Department of Human Services reported a 185% spike in individuals seeking problem gambling treatment since legalization of online sports betting.
• New York – The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports reported a 46% jump in calls to the problem gambling hotline following legalization of online and mobile sports gambling.
• Colorado – The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado reported a 45% jump in calls to the problem gambling hotline since legalization of online sports gambling.

Background:

Prop 27, sponsored and entirely funded by out-of-state online gambling corporations like DraftKings, FanDuel and Bet MGM, would legalize the largest expansion of online and mobile sports gambling in the history of the country – turning virtually every cell phone, laptop and tablet into a gambling device. Prop 27 would multiply the risks of addiction and problem gambling among California’s most vulnerable. In fact, research from the Journal of Gambling Studies found that “online gambling is more addictive than any other type of game.”

Proponents of Prop 27 are deceptively marketing their measure as a “solution” to homelessness, but under their measure, 90% of profits go to the out-of-state corporations—leaving pennies for homelessness. That’s why Prop 27 is opposed by a broad coalition of more than 50 California Indian tribes, as well as civil rights, public safety, labor, business, faith leaders, local governments, advocates for the homeless and mental health advocates.