In last month’s release about data regarding mental health and debt (the latter of which is a symptom of problem gambling) we took a good look at how many Americans were performing online queries for help to break the link between financial strife and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This data is very useful because it lets one better understand the volume of concern coming from the public, and the language they use when reaching out for support. We at Kindbridge look to this very same data when addressing how Americans self-reference their struggles with gambling behavior. It’s important to do so, because it allows us to connect to them where they are and at a place that answers the questions formed by the language they use. Their feelings and emotions care nothing about what the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has to say about clinical definitions. Consequently, it’s not just important for mental health providers to reference online search data, but for lawmakers, regulators, community leaders, and other stakeholders to do so as well.
From here on in, Kindbridge will provide a monthly report on this particular data-set from the wider umbrella of problem gambling statistics. For the first reporting period, we analyze outreach for problem gambling in general (commercial facility and online) in addition to queries specific to casino gaming and sports betting. As the months progress, we will expand the analysis to uncover words, terms, and expressions used by Americans who are in need of help. For now, here is the summary of what online outreach looks like for May of 2025.
What the Numbers Mean: The numbers in the tables below indicate that the average online volume for each expression is between 10-100 (or 100-1000, et cetera) Google searches per month, per the most populated U.S. states. Note that these are averages, and can move dramatically upward in response to a given event or phenomenon. A “+ ∞” (positive infinity) appended to any phrase indicates a significant-to-extremely high positive growth in search volume. All problem gambling statistics regarding online search data below is referenced from Google’s Keyword Research tool.
Overview of Online Search Statistics Relating to Problem Gambling Outreach in America for May 2025
Outreach to Get Help for Gambling in General
Standout: From the common search terms used to get help to quit gambling in general, we see a large 900% quarter-over-quarter increase for “problem gambling helpline”. This corresponds with calls for each U.S. state to increase investment in telehealth support services.
Outreach to Get Help for Online Gambling
Standout: What’s interesting, is the search expression for “addicted to online gambling reddit” that Google’s Keyword Research tool delivered for consideration. It infers the popularity of Reddit as an information resource for all things, problem gambling included. It also infers that people who may struggle with online gambling hope to find answers on the community forum. This can be concerning, however, as their outreach will more than likely be met with informal responses from those who are not qualified to provide answers and unable to provide adequate referrals to trusted support services. Regardless, given that this search expression is consistent, problem gambling support providers can gather insight into how the issue is discussed on the popular social network, and may consider active participation to ensure that qualified responses can be added to the free-for-all forum.
Outreach Specifically for Casino Gaming
Standout: From the common search terms used to get help to quit casino gaming, we see that addiction semantics related to slot games stand out. This comes as no surprise when considering that dark pattern UX design (view details) has been integrated into online slots more than most other forms of online casino gaming. The loss disguised as a win (LDW) design element is a direct example of dark patten design that makes it hard for a compromised person to stop playing online slots without specialized counseling.
Outreach to Get Help Specifically for Sports Betting
Standout: From the common search terms used to get help to quit sports betting, we see + ∞ (positive infinity) quarter-over-quarter increases for “how can I stop sports betting” and “how to avoid betting”, both of which coincide with the fast rise of sports betting behavior throughout the United States. Recall that + ∞ appended to any phrase indicates a significant-to-extremely high positive growth in search volume, which does not bode well for the problem gambling crisis in America. Greater reinvestment from regulated gambling tax revenue towards PG support services within each U.S. state must be a top priority.
Bookmark this page on your browser and check back often as we update problem gambling statistics regarding online outreach for help. If you, or someone you care about, struggles with problem gambling reach out to a Kindbridge care coordinator right away to receive a FREE assessment.
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