When Jessica Auslander opened her counseling practice near Charlotte a decade ago, she was a true trailblazer. As North Carolina’s only certified gambling addiction specialist, her practice quickly became essential. Since the recent legalization of sports betting, her calendar fills up fast with clients seeking help for gambling issues.
The gambling scene in North Carolina has transformed dramatically. In 2024 and 2025, nearly $13 billion was bet, generating over $262 million in tax revenue. However, this surge has compounded a significant public health crisis, with calls to the gambling hotline skyrocketing by over 300% since 2021. “People need to understand what problem gambling is,” Auslander said. “We must enhance prevention and treatment resources.”
The current law allocates $2 million from sports betting taxes to support gambling addiction education and treatment annually. Unfortunately, this flat rate is only a fraction of what’s needed, critics argue. According to Kelly Crosbie from the Department of Health and Human Services, that amount is “a penny compared to what these companies earn off North Carolinians.”
Other states have responded differently. Some have raised their tax rates significantly, with up to half of revenue going back into treatment and prevention. North Carolina’s current tax rate is only 18%, and lawmakers are still debating potential increases.
Ensuring compliance with responsible gambling regulations is crucial. North Carolina’s sports betting law includes over 40 regulations, yet experts like Crosbie believe more enforcement is needed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly minors. “We lack robust oversight,” she noted.
Additionally, the state could consider banning prop bets on college athletes, a measure already adopted in at least 17 other states. Prop bets often lead to harassment of athletes, especially when their performance doesn’t meet bettors’ expectations.
Across the U.S., some legislators are considering curbing harmful practices, such as limiting ad placements during live sports or restricting betting amounts. Shane Kraus, a psychologist from UNLV, highlights the dangers of live betting, which fosters impulsive betting behaviors. He believes banning it could alleviate some of the major gambling-related issues.
Research plays a critical role in shaping gambling policy. Dr. Michelle Malkin from East Carolina University leads the Gambling Research & Policy Initiative, focusing on reducing gambling harms among at-risk communities. She emphasizes the rising acceptance of gambling, particularly among younger and female demographics. “If we’re going to accept this as a norm, we also need to talk about the risks,” she said.
Education around gambling is essential, especially since many don’t recognize the signs of addiction until it’s too late. Malkin revealed, “No one places their first bets thinking they might develop a problem.” Her initiative has even developed a curriculum for colleges to teach students about gambling risks, which is now being distributed nationwide.
As North Carolina continues to navigate the complexities of legalized sports betting, there’s an urgent need for comprehensive policies that address problem gambling alongside the industry’s growth. Auslander, with experience from Ohio, knows firsthand the benefits of properly funded treatment programs. “Helping those with gambling disorders not only aids the financial landscape but also saves lives,” she concluded.
You can find more insights into this ongoing issue in authoritative reports, such as those from the [National Council on Problem Gambling](https://www.ncpgambling.org) and research studies highlighting the impact of legalized gambling on communities.
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East Carolina Gambling Research and Policy Initiative,International Gambling Counselor Certification Board,NC Department of Health and Human Services,NC General Assembly,sports betting
