Last week, a shocking report revealed that calls to the Massachusetts Gambling Hotline have increased by a staggering 121 percent in the past year. The surge in calls has sparked concerns about the potential rise in problem gambling in the state, and has prompted experts to call for immediate action to address this growing issue.
According to the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling (MCCG), the hotline received a total of 2,367 calls in 2021, compared to just 1,067 calls in 2020. This significant increase has left health officials and addiction counselors scrambling to find ways to help those struggling with gambling addiction.
“We are very concerned about the rise in calls to the gambling hotline,” said Marlene Warner, the Executive Director of the MCCG. “This surge in calls indicates a growing problem that needs to be addressed urgently. We need to do more to help those who are struggling with gambling addiction and provide them with the support they need to overcome their addiction.”
Experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a significant role in the increase in problem gambling cases. With many traditional forms of entertainment shut down due to the pandemic, more people turned to online gambling as a way to pass the time. As a result, the number of problem gamblers in Massachusetts has been on the rise.
In response to the alarming increase in gambling addiction cases, the state government has announced plans to allocate more resources to support those struggling with gambling addiction. Governor Charlie Baker has stated that he is committed to tackling the issue and will work with the MCCG to provide more support and resources for those in need.
“We cannot ignore the fact that problem gambling is on the rise in our state,” Governor Baker said in a statement. “We need to take action to address this issue and provide the necessary support for those struggling with gambling addiction. I am committed to working with the MCCG and other stakeholders to find solutions to this growing problem.”
In addition to increasing support for problem gamblers, experts are also calling for stricter regulations on the gambling industry to help prevent the rise of gambling addiction. They argue that gambling companies need to do more to promote responsible gambling and provide support for those who may be at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
The surge in calls to the Massachusetts Gambling Hotline has highlighted a growing need for more support and resources for problem gamblers in the state. As the number of problem gambling cases continues to rise, it is crucial that the government and other stakeholders take action to address this growing issue and provide the necessary support for those in need.
