NH Business Review Calls to New Hampshire helplines for compulsive gamblers increased about 25% during 2020 February 15, 2021 Ed Talbot, executive director of the New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling, speaks at a celebration for two runners who had completed a half-marathon for 40 consecutive years. Talbot said physical exercise can be helpful in recovery for compulsive gambling. (Courtesy photo) New Hampshire lottery sales, particularly from online games, are surging during the pandemic, and with that increase comes a jump in another statistic — the number of problem gamblers who seek assistance for a disorder that can destroy lives. The National Council on Problem Gambling received 443 calls to its 24-hour helpline (800-522-4700) from New Hampshire last year, compared to 337 in 2019. That’s an increase of 24%.