Since the introduction of online casinos and sports betting to Pennsylvania, the number of 1-800-GAMBLER interactions resulting in the caller receiving help for problem gambling has more than doubled. Similar trends appear whenever a state launches new forms of gambling and is often framed as a crisis. However, Josh Ercole, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA (CCGP), told PlayUSA that a rise in calls isn’t entirely bad news.
From 2019 to 2021, the total annual call volume in the state jumped from 11,011 to 17,380 before falling to 14,146 in 2022. However, not all of these are people seeking help. A large number of 1-800-GAMBLER calls result in hang-ups or are from people calling for other reasons.
