Pennsylvania reflects on problem gambling, expanding resources and more

• Problem gambling in Pennsylvania is being addressed with additional resources
• The state is also experiencing an uptick in the callers seeking help
• People who are suffering from gambling-related issues call for different reasons these days

Problem gambling in Pennsylvania continues to plague locals, with more resources plowed by legislators into the state’s helplines in a bid to strengthen safeguards and, importantly, help those who need helping.

Additional resources allocated in Pennsylvania to tackle problem gambling

The state department of drug and alcohol has boosted the reach of its programs, moving beyond therapy, and including case management services.

According to Dr. Latika Davis Jones, Pennsylvania Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services Program, this could be an important step forward in helping address the larger pattern.

"That first step can seem impossible, but asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of courage. And our system must be ready to respond with compassion and practical support,"Dr. Jones notes.

Jones’ comments are echoed by PA Lottery Play Responsible ManagerDiana Diertz who argues that by offering a comprehensive service to those suffering from gambling-related issues, Pennsylvania as a state could start seeing overall improvement in the population affected by the issue.

"Patients have been supported with getting transportation to treatment, receiving nonperishable food items, linking to housing resources and other no-cost or low-cost services in the community," Diertz explains.

Problem gambling insiders describe the issue

But the state’s support services are also feeling the pinch, as the people calling are more, their backgrounds are more diverse, and the products they are engaging with are more varied.

Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling’s Josh Ercole attests to the trend as shared with ABC27 News.

"To have sports betting and online gambling, we have a lot of new opportunities, not to mention the whole unregulated field with skill games and prediction markets," Ercole said.

"With the right treatment and supports for problem gambling, recovery is not only possible, but also probable," adds Jones.

Addressing problem gambling is of an important societal consequence, as suicidal ideation - and actual suicide attempts - among this specific population are the highest of any other addicted group.

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