National Problem Gambling Helpline releases annual report
Figures from 2025 show a continuing a trend towards younger help-seekers.
US.- The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has released its 2025 National Problem Gambling Helpline Annual Report. It says more than 31,000 people a month reached out to the helpline last year.
Some 49.48 per cent of all contacts were aged between 18 and 34, continuing a trend towards younger help-seekers, and 70 per cent were men. The proportion of calls related to traditional slot machines and electronic gaming decreased slightly, from 36 to 31 per cent of contacts. Online apps increased to 31 per cent of reports, up from 23 per cent in 2024.
More than 73 per cent of contacts reported financial struggles as motivation for reaching out, up from 66 per cent in the previous year. The top three motivators also included mental health concerns (32 per cent) and relationship problems (22 per cent).
The NCPG said: “The data points towards a future where problem gambling support must be as accessible, immediate, and diverse as the gambling options themselves. Chat and text contacts continue to grow, reflecting how people increasingly prefer digital connection in moments of need.”
In February, the NCPG called on prediction market operators in the US to promote the National Problem Gambling helpline. The organisation said the use of prediction markets carries substantially similar levels of risk to the consumer as sports betting and the operators should therefore promote the 1-800-MY-RESET number.
