(WWJ) -- Calls to Michigan's helpline for people struggling with gambling addiction spiked early this year, and researchers believe the timing is linked to the start of online sports gambling.
WWJ’s Roberta Jasina reports that the Michigan Gambling Problem Helpline received 563 calls about gambling addiction in February.
That’s more than five times the total for the same month back in 2020.
In a statement to Fox2Detroit, Alia Lucas, a program specialist of the gambling prevention and treatment services, says circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are also a factor in the increase.
“Since we’ve been in the midst of the pandemic you’re now in the home, you are minimizing activity, there's increase accessibility to ways you didn't have access before,” she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, contact the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.