North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline Calls Up 79%

In a continuation of a trend that we’ve seen in other states that legalized sports betting, North Carolina has reported a 79% increase in calls to their problem gambling helpline since NC sports gambling went live in March. Clinical calls, which involve seeking treatment or help, went up 34%.

People attending treatment for gambling issues were up 28%, while individuals wanting to block gambling apps on their phones or devices skyrocketed up 82%. Additionally, chats to the helpline were up 104%. While call volume overall went up, those related to the state lottery stayed about the same from 2023 to 2024.

Amanda Winters of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said that while lottery was the primary gambling preference of callers in past years, sports betting took the lead this year, with calls going up 88%.

The average age of helpline callers for sports betting-related problems was 35-55, but there was a 33% increase in people aged 25-44 years old.

North Carolina’s efforts to combat gambling addiction

North Carolina’s Problem Gambling Program has upped its helpline budget for 2025 by 20%, prevention grants by 34%, treatment funds by around 150% and research efforts by 85%. Overall funding for the program has gone from $1 million for FY 2024 to $3 million for FY 2025 for gambling addiction education and treatment programs.

The NCDHHS has also partnered with ECU and Birches Health, a national provider of virtual gambling addiction treatment, on a pioneering metrics-based research initiative to assess the treatment system and clinical outcomes.

Winters said the partnership research revealed:

• 12% of male college students are at risk for gambling problems

• 6% of female college students are at risk for gambling issues, 

• 16% of student athletes (vs. 8% of non-student-athletes) are at risk for problem gambling

The NC Problem Gambling Division also provides youth prevention grants and educational programs to higher-risk community centers. They’ve expanded reach to all health and physical education classes in the 7th grade in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, encompassing over 1,200 young residents.

Gambling helpline calls increasing in other sports betting states

Increases in calls to problem gambling hotlines have been seen in many other states that have legalized sports betting as well.

• Virginia: 973% increase in the number of helpline callers between 2019 and 2023

• Ohio: 227% increase from January 2022 to January 2023

• Florida: 138% increase in first 2 months 

• Massachusetts: 121% increase from July 2022 to June 2023

Legislators have certainly been aware of the risks and potential societal impacts before legalizing regulated sports betting and online casino products, but the figures above paint a worrying picture. Additional resources and support systems can help, but many are more reactive than effectively preventative. And if the NCPG’s recent study around player protection measures in legal states tells us anything, it’s that more can and should be done. 

Get a free consultation from a problem gambling care specialist with Birches Health today