Problem Gambling Treatment in Pennsylvania
Are you no longer able to join the millions of PA sports fans in supporting the Steelers, Eagles, 76ers, Phillies, Pirates, Nittany Lions, or Panthers (et cetera) without putting money on the line? Do you find yourself rooting for the opposition to score because covering the spread is more important than an outright win? If your love of the game has lost its luster because the gambling aspect has taken precedence, and this is accompanied by signs and symptoms of problematic gambling behavior (view here) it’s time to revaluate your relationship with the activity. The same is true if your vice is instead (or additionally) related to slots, poker, table games, horse racing, or even the lottery. Whatever the case may be, you have recognized that your gambling habit has entered concerning territory and that self-exclusion alone won’t cut it. As a result, you’re online in search of problem gambling treatment in Pennsylvania. As the state’s preeminent disordered gambling support platform Kindbridge is ready to receive your call at this very moment.
CALL: 1-877-426-4258
(Pennsylvania Residents)
Want to learn more before booking your appointment? Read ahead for additional information about problem gambling treatment in Pennsylvania.
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Brief Background of Gambling in Pennsylvania
Is Gambling Legal in Pennsylvania?
Casino gaming: There are two Native American tribes that own and operate physical casino gaming facilities in Pennsylvania. Both are licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as commercial gaming operations. Meanwhile, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill to legalize online casinos in October of 2017. Interestingly, Pennsylvania has led the nation in tax revenue from casino gaming. In 2023, the state collected the highest casino tax revenue, pulling in $2.3 billion for the annum. This placed the state above famous gambling centers such as Nevada.
Online sports betting: PA was an early adopter in legalizing sports betting after the federal ban on the activity was removed in early 2018. The first in-person sports wager occurred in the state in November of 2018 and the first online sports wager was accepted In May 2019.
Gambling Addiction Statistics for Pennsylvania
Considering the state’s support of both casino gaming and sports betting, it should come as no surprise that PA has been named as one of the Top 5 Most Gambling-Addicted States. Additional data from the recent Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment: Online Gambling Report indicates the following:
- Approximately 50% of Pennsylvania online gamblers reported problems with gambling
Further, the recent Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment reports the following:
- Nearly 20% of Pennsylvania adult residents engage in online gambling
- Among those that gamble online, more than 20% engage in some form of illegal or unregulated online gambling, representing approximately 6.2% of the Pennsylvania adult population
It’s critical to note that helpline calls in Pennsylvania have grown with each passing year since the legalization of online sports betting, as per this graph from the recent Pennsylvania Interactive Gaming Assessment:
Moreover, Pennsylvania shares the following statistics with the rest of the United States:
- 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
- Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
- About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
- Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
- Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
- Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )
Gamblers Help Online in Pennsylvania
Kindbridge provides powerful treatment online or by-phone to residents of Pennsylvania. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Altoona, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Hershey, Williamsport, or any of the other cities, towns, and communities within the Keystone State.
In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge counselors have expertise treating other mental/behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact nearly 40% of the population in PA.
When seeking support from Kindbridge, you have the option to choose from one-on-one therapy, group therapy, or a combined approach. You also have the option to switch therapists until you find a better match.
Couples + Family Counseling for Problem Gambling
A problematic relationship with gambling also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to gambling addiction treatment for individuals in Pennsylvania, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.
Cost for Gambling Treatment in Pennsylvania
Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here. Pennsylvania residents may also qualify for direct billing through our insurance partners.
