BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released its fiscal year (FY) 2023 Problem Gambling Helpline, showing a 121 percent increase in call volume over the previous year.
The helpline received 3,050 calls in FY 2023, an increase of 1,378 calls over the total of 1,378 calls in FY 2022.
Calls from those seeking support and information increased by 41 percent, to 636 calls in FY 2023. Calls resulting in referrals to outpatient treatment increase from 185 to 362, an increase of 96 percent.
Of those 636 calls, 73 reported that sports betting led to their seeking assistance, a 1,117 percent increase over FY 2022.
Other information provided in the report includes:
- Calls from individuals seeking help increased from 301 in FY 2022 to 380 in FY 2023;
- Calls from loved ones of those with a gambling problem increased from 106 in FY 2022 to 148 in FY 2023;
- Calls from individuals in recovery increased from 27 in FY 2022 to 89 in FY 2023, an increase of 230 percent;
- Referrals by gambling type for casinos increased from 45 in FY 2022 to 170 in FY 2023, an increase of 278 percent;
- Male callers increased from 321 in FY 2022 to 500 in FY 2023, an increase of 56 percent;
- Female callers remained consistent, with 131 in FY 2022 to 137 in FY 2023;
- Calls seeking referrals for treatment increased among all age groups, including an increase of those 30-to–39-years-old from 43 in FY 2022 to 169 in FY 2023, an increase of 295 percent.
The Problem Gambling Helpline was the highest from February through June 2023, with 2,069 calls. Sports wagering in Massachusetts launched in casinos on January 31, 2023, and online sports wagering began March 10, 2023.
“The Problem Gambling Helpline provides an important connection between those who are experiencing problem gambling — including sports betting — and services that can help,” said Victor Ortiz, Director of the Office of Problem Gambling Services. “Expanded access to gambling in the Commonwealth poses risks, particularly to those in recovery, and highlights the need to provide responsive referrals to callers based on their needs. The OPGS is committed to monitoring the ongoing impacts of sports wagering and expanded access to gambling on individuals, families, and communities in the Commonwealth.”
Reach the Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline at (800) 327-5050 or visit its website.
Image Credit: “Sportsbook at the Wynn” by leyla.a is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
