Louisiana health officials say problem gambling is becoming a bigger concern as sports betting and prediction markets spread, with the state estimating that about 5.4% of residents, or 180,000 people, may have a gambling disorder. The Department of Health also says calls to its gambling helpline have climbed 31% since 2021.
Louisiana First News reported that the figures were raised by LDH deputy assistant secretary Quinetta Womack, while Dr. Holly Howat, the assistant secretary in the Office of Behavioral Health, said addressing problem gambling has become one of the department’s top three priorities.
On its resource page, LDH defines gambling disorder as behavior that disrupts psychological, physical, social or vocational life. It describes the condition as an addiction marked by increasing preoccupation, a need to bet more often or with more money, restlessness when trying to stop and chasing losses despite negative consequences.
The department tells people who cannot cut down, hide how much they have gambled or need help with living expenses to seek advice from an experienced gambling counselor. It says the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline at 877-770-7867 is confidential, and that gambling treatment is free to Louisiana residents.
LDH is also using billboards and advertisements to direct the public to help, and it recommends GamBan, GamFin and Evive as part of its response. According to the article, GamBan is meant to block gambling apps, GamFin to help restore financial standing and Evive to support mental and emotional recovery.
Howat said the rise in sports betting has played a part in younger people betting and early addiction. She also said prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket can be even worse because they are less regulated and target children.
Separately, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board issued an advisory notice on Dec. 10, 2025, to sports wagering licensees and platform provider permittees exploring prediction markets or event-based contracts. The board said purported sporting event contracts and certain other event contracts are illegal gambling under the Louisiana Criminal Code and the Louisiana Gaming Control Law.
The advisory warned that any direct or indirect involvement in operating, offering or facilitating sporting event contracts could affect a licensee’s or permittee’s suitability for licensure in Louisiana. It also urged operators and associated persons to maintain suitability and comply with all applicable laws in every jurisdiction where they operate.
The article also cited a BadCredit report that ranked Louisiana second for gambling activity overall and first for the highest credit card delinquency rates related to gambling. Erica Sandberg said the type of gambling has escalated dramatically and is having a huge impact on people’s lives.
Louisiana First News said major companies such as FanDuel and DraftKings have poured billions into advertising, and cited research showing a gambling reference every four minutes on average during a slate of professional and college games. The article said FanDuel’s website lists tools that let users lock accounts and block marketing emails.
It also said a local Gamblers Anonymous meeting offered free, judgment-free help, with the Baton Rouge chapter holding nine weekly meetings across Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales and Hammond, plus a 24/7 hotline at 888-502-5610.
For broader context, a separate UC San Diego report said a study in JAMA Internal Medicine found gambling-addiction help-seeking searches rose 23% nationally from Murphy v. NCAA through June 2024. The researchers said the increase amounted to about 6.5 million to 7.3 million searches, with online sportsbooks having a greater effect than brick-and-mortar books.
