While sports betting operators in many states with legal wagering offer up local problem gambling hotlines, the Sports Betting Alliance industry group is hoping to point lawmakers toward streamlining the system by advocating for 1-800-GAMBLER to be used across the country.
In the U.S., 21 states offer up the national number in advertising for gambling addiction, while 29 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have local numbers available, either in addition to or instead of the national number.
Of the 35 U.S. jurisdictions that offer some kind of legal sports betting, 27 have local helpline numbers available, again, either in addition to or instead of the national number. When Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont come online late this year or early next, the states will allow operators to use the national hotline.
Beyond a phone call, there are phrases or numbers to text for help and websites to visit. But they don’t all point to where a caller might think. For example, 1800GAMBLER.net isn’t a national website for problem gambling, it is the PG website for the state of West Virginia, which has one of the most comprehensive problem gambling support networks in the country. While a caller or website visitor in West Virginia can quickly be directed to in-person help nearby, the website may not be immediately helpful for a gambler in crisis visiting the site from, for example, Arizona.
As legislators across the U.S. begin to consider what bills to file next year, the SBA is trying to create a clear message to gamblers in crisis in any state.
“1-800-GAMBLER is a seamless way for any consumer to access problem gaming resources and support in any state,” consultant Jeremy Kudon, who is also president of the SBA, told Sports Handle. “That is a message we will take to state legislatures who are considering sports betting legislation this upcoming legislative year.”
Multiple numbers create confusion
The national number is connected to 28 call centers across the U.S., and those answering can “provide resources and referrals” across the country, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Calls are answered 24 hours a day and are confidential.
“The national number strives to provide a single point of access to problem gambling help for callers anywhere in the U.S., 24/7/365, via call, text or chat,” responsible gambling consultant Brianne Doura-Schawohl told Sports Handle. “Its mission is to tie together state call centers to ensure every jurisdiction is covered, and that every caller always has free access to help. A national number creates a caller-centric system that allows for streamlined marketing and allows for access irrespective of location. Think 9-1-1.”
State phone numbers, some of which were created in legislation, are, in Doura-Schawohl’s words, an effort at “hope and help” from lawmakers. Some have easy-to-remember names like Iowa’s 1-800-BETSOFF or New York’s 1-877-8HOPENY. But the local call centers — which may or may not have a ready list of where to get help in another jurisdiction — are extensive resources within a particular state that may have limited information for those who are out of the state.
“State lines have a long-standing history in our nation,” Doura-Schawohl said. “Pre-PASPA, gambling was very siloed … the advertising for gambling did not have anywhere the national penetration or presence that it does today. Now and even then, these state helplines were designed to only serve constituents of that state. Meaning if you live out of state and call the published helpline for assistance, they are unfortunately going to be unable to assist. When an individual is in crisis and in need of support, it’s imperative that the person is helped irrespective of their residence.”
The industry group the American Gaming Association has long been a supporter of a streamlining responsible gaming tools, including having a single, national hotline. The group wrote in 2021 that “Multiple helpline numbers cause consumer confusion as to the appropriate number to call. For example, should the consumer call the number for the state in which he or she resides or the number in the state where he or she is gambling? The mix of numbers also creates unnecessary barriers to help, like remembering the appropriate numbers to call when in crisis.”
RG and PG rising on priority list
The Sports Betting Alliance, comprised of BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel, lobbies for a “safe and responsible way to bet on games” and advocates against allowing minors to bet as well as for other consumer protections. Like many other companies, member operators place a premium on education of both employees and the consumer, setting time and money limits, making the option to self-exclude available, and sharing responsible gambling information with all customers.
The push for a national hotline is one more indication that responsible gambling has become a priority for operators, regulators, suppliers, and vendors.
In the last year, regulators in Massachusetts and Ohio have fined multiple operators for marketing to underage consumers and other violations, the Division of Gaming Enforcement in New Jersey hired a responsible gambling coordinator, and Virginia lawmakers passed a bill to create the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Advisory Committee.
On the flip side, in Washington, D.C. in May, Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed through her FY 2024 budget in which she cut problem gambling funding.
