On Dec. 1, 2025, Missouri became the 40th state to legalize sports betting. However, unlike a traditional casino, sports betting is much easier to access. Platforms such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are online and easily accessible for people of all ages.
“The problem starts because it’s online,” counselor Barry Morrison said. “It’s so easy to transfer money from your online banking app quickly, and although there is an age restriction, nothing is stopping these kids from lying about their age.”
A sports betting addiction occurs when gambling interferes with your everyday life. Some common signs include feeling restless when cutting down on, having to gamble more money or more often for the same excitement, borrowing money to pay bills because you lost a bet, or if you are lying about how much or often.
“Gambling itself can be a fun and entertaining activity,” hotline receptionist Cait Huble said. “If it crosses the line beyond entertainment, that’s when it becomes a problem.”
Research shows that only one in ten people with a gambling disorder seeks treatment. However, according to NCPG, “Nearly 20 million American adults report experiencing at least one problematic gambling behavior “many times” in the past year.” The gap in these statistics shows how many individuals are struggling in silence, unaware or unwilling to seek guidance. Hotlines have been a useful resource for these struggles. 1-800-BETSOFF is one of the most common, along with 1-800-MY-RESET.
“Hotlines provide a resource point to access tools and people; it’s not clinical care when you call,” Huble said. “Some people like peer support groups, some people prefer clinical help such as a therapist, and some go to inpatient treatment; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”
The most common addictions have to do with drug or alcohol abuse; however, gambling is nearly the same as substance abuse. In both cases, the brain releases dopamine, creating a similar sense of pleasure.
“The biggest misconception we see about gambling addictions is that it is caused by poor willpower or a moral failing rather than a behavioral health condition that is chemically the same as other addictions,” Huble said. “It’s hard for people to understand because there is no substantive injustice, but it has the same harm.”
