The WAGER, Vol. 1(14) – Compulsive Gambling Hotline calls

As opportunities to gamble expand, problem gamblers increasingly have sought help. Many state Councils on Compulsive Gambling provide support services including education and treatment training programs. One of the services of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a toll-free 24-hour hotline. The pattern of hotline calls indicates that casino and lottery gambling lead the types of gambling for which callers seek help. In addition, the volume of calls has increased substantially in New Jersey and nationwide during the past three years. During 1995, 12% of callers to the New Jersey hotline were under the age of 21; 30% of all callers were female. The average gambling debt of an individual caller was $28,315, while their average annual income was $33,410.

Source: Adapted from The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (1996, March 21). Press Release.

This public education project is funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

This fax may be copied without permission. Please cite The WAGER as the source.

For more information contact the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, 190 High Street, Suite 6, Boston, MA 02110.