In the period from November 2021 to September 2022, the number of calls received by the gambling addiction helpline reached 343 cases, which is an increase of approximately 100% compared to the corresponding period before, when the number of calls received did not exceed 171, according to the statistics compiled by the association "Skalbes".

"With additional funding from Latvian Gaming Business Association (LSBA) we have reached significant results. We have not only received a greater number of calls but also held the campaign "Specialist on the Phone" several times, during which such specialists (psychologists, narcologists, and addiction specialist) provided support to the helpline users. We will continue to actively work on popularizing the phone to reach as many people as possible who need psychological and informational support," says Santa Laimiņa, a member of the board of the association "Skalbes".

According to the data of the association "Skalbes”, 70% of the calls received by the helpline were from people with a possible pathological gambling addiction, while 30% of the calls were from the family members of people suffering from gambling addiction.

At the same time, Elīna Brila, a consultant for the Lotteries and Gambling Supervisory Inspection, draw attention to the fact that the number of persons who include themselves in the Register of Self-Rejected Persons was constantly increasing. 23 901 people have an active ban in the register, which is a 33% increase compared to October 2021.

The "Skalbes" association's helpline, with the support of LSBA members, provides help to people with gambling addiction and their relatives. Specialists of the helpline provide information on signs of addiction, direct towards the first steps to start recovery, and share information on treatment options as well as provide information regarding self-exclusion. Consultations are available by calling 29323202.

ALFOR is a member of the LSBA and provides support to the helpline since 2018.