Betting Issues Impact Family, Friends, Work & School

March 5, 2026
A two part image. Over a photo of a family outdoors, having fun in the sun, are the words, Gambling Harm Has a Ripple Effect. Then, we see the blue ribbon for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month

As Gambling Increases, So Does Help

All of our markers show that both gambling and gambling problems are going up—nationally and specifically in Pennsylvania, coming in second in 2025 for gambling revenue. Another way to think of revenue is as losses from the household budgets of PA residents.

  • Nevada Revenue: $15.8 billion
  • Pennsylvania: $7.7 billion
  • New Jersey: $7.0 billion
  • New York: $5.7 billion
  • Michigan: $5.0 billion

Heading for Trouble

PA’s $7.7 billion in gambling revenue in 2025 is up from $5.7 billion in 2023—a remarkable and alarming increase. Other markers of gambling issues:

  • PA’s 1-800-GAMBLER hotline calls increased from 2,401 in 2021/22 to 2,447 in 2024/25
  • 2025 was the first year when more than 50% of hotline calls mentioned online gambling as the primary concern
  • Gamblers’ voluntary enrollments in the iGaming self-exclusion list rose 65% in 2025
  • Up to 6.4% of Pennsylvanians have a gambling disorder, and another 25 to 30% can be classified as problem gamblers

Sports Betting

Not surprisingly, sports betting is the fastest-growing type of gambling in Pennsylvania. Advertising is hard to miss, and the play-by-play action available on a phone makes it difficult for those with risk factors for gambling problems to abstain.

Impact on Loved Ones

For every person with a gambling problem, an average of 6 others are affected, including children. Common types of harm to family and friends include financial harm; relationship disruption; violence/abuse; emotional distress; physical health problems; reduced performance at work or school; and criminal activity.

Help is On the Way

There are more resources than ever for people struggling with gambling and betting, as well as their loved ones. While they don’t match the treatment and recovery options available for substance use disorder, it’s heartening to see more variety and locations. The Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) offers grants for counselors to see clients and their families free of charge, both in person or via telehealth. A recent addition to these services is case management for help navigating the systems of care, and DDAP is always looking for additional counselors to offer these free services.

Just as the internet produces more opportunities to gamble, it also offers help. Those without in-person support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous or Gam-Anon in their area can find online options for fellowship and recovery.

Local Resources

Compass Mark offers information & referral to those who live or work in Chester, Lancaster, or Lebanon Counties, PA around gambling issues. Our team provides customized referrals, explanation of costs, and advocacy for those struggling to navigate on their own.

For professionals interested in learning more about problem gambling, there are a few scholarships left for Millersville University’s Summer Institute on Problem Gambling & Sports Betting: Prevention & Treatment this July. This one-week graduate course offers 90 hours of Act 48 credits for educators and 3 graduate credits towards an MU advanced degree.

Digital Resources

This Problem Gambling Awareness Month, familiarize yourself with both the issue and the solutions. Gambling problems are here to stay, but with effective prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, we can be of great help to our friends, neighbors, and communities.

More Newsroom Posts