Understanding Sports Betting Risks: As Legalization Grows, More Seek Help for Gambling Addiction
Sports betting has rapidly gained popularity in the U.S. since its legalization in 2018, leading to increased concerns regarding gambling addiction. Research indicates that online searches for help related to gambling addiction surged by 23% nationally following this change. Experts are now examining signs that indicate a betting habit has escalated into a full-fledged addiction, along with providing resources for problem gamblers. In this article, we will explore the emerging trends in sports betting and its link to addiction.
Whether you enjoy basketball, football, or any other sport, cheering for your favorite team is a beloved activity. However, recently, you might have noticed that sports gambling advertisements have become a common sight on game days. Prominent companies like DraftKings and BetMGM have enlisted celebrities such as Kevin Hart, LeBron James, and Tom Brady to promote their services. These companies have also established official partnerships with leagues like the WNBA, fostering further integration of gambling into mainstream sports.
The advent of user-friendly apps has simplified placing bets during games, further fueling interest in sports gambling. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 to end the federal prohibition of sports betting, the industry has skyrocketed. At present, 38 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports gambling, with ongoing discussions in other states to follow suit.
Recent research aims to uncover the profound impact of sports betting on the U.S. economic and public health landscape. According to a study published on February 17 in JAMA Internal Medicine, the total sports gambling wagers escalated from $4.9 billion in 2017 to an astonishing $121 billion by 2023. Alarmingly, there was a notable 23% increase in online searches for help with gambling addiction coinciding with the legalization of sports betting.
As Dr. John Ayers, an epidemiologist at the University of California San Diego and senior study author, stated, “We have a national problem affecting millions of people, and we can link the occurrence of these problems with the opening of sports books, specifically online sports books.”
Connecting Sports Betting and Addiction
Dr. Ayers’ interest in sports betting addiction sparked after a conversation with a local golf course employee who was seeking financial assistance due to significant losses from online sports gambling. This interaction led him to question the extent of the issue, especially since health agencies have not effectively regulated sports gambling.
The research team utilized Google Trends to analyze how often individuals searched for terms related to gambling addiction, including queries like “gambling addiction hotline” and “am I a gambling addict?” The study revealed that searches for assistance with gambling addiction had risen by 23% nationwide, amounting to approximately 6.5 million to 7.3 million searches since the legalization of sports betting.
The results indicated that specific states experienced more significant increases in these searches. For instance:
- Ohio: 67% increase
- Pennsylvania: 50% increase
- Massachusetts: 47% increase
Notably, states that embraced online sports gambling reported larger spikes in searches compared to those that opted for in-person betting. Dr. Marc Potenza, director of the Center of Excellence in Gambling Research at Yale School of Medicine, confirmed that these findings align with the rising calls for help from individuals facing gambling issues.
Understanding the Allure of Sports Betting
At its core, problem gambling often arises from the unpredictable nature of winning or losing. Increased accessibility, particularly through online platforms, makes gambling more appealing than ever. Dr. Potenza emphasizes that smartphones facilitate gambling around the clock, making it incredibly easy for individuals to place bets.
Additionally, legal changes in sports betting have contributed to its normalization in society. Dr. Potenza pointed out that extensive advertising during sporting events, funded by sports betting companies, has had various effects on gambling behaviors.
Identifying Signs of Gambling Addiction
While not everyone who participates in sports betting develops an addiction, several indicators suggest that gambling may have become problematic. According to experts like Dr. David Hodgins, the presence of three primary components can signal gambling addiction:
- You continue to gamble despite facing negative repercussions.
- You experience difficulties in controlling your impulse to gamble.
- You isolate yourself from social activities to gamble.
Other warning signs of potential gambling addiction include:
- Sudden changes in mood and personality
- Financial difficulties, such as trouble paying rent
- Deception towards family and friends about gambling losses
- Neglecting social, work, or educational opportunities
- Inability to scale back on gambling
- Increased levels of stress or anxiety
- Feeling the need to wager larger amounts for excitement
Although anyone can develop a gambling addiction, individuals such as young adults, particularly men and former athletes, may be at a heightened risk for engaging in risky betting.
Seeking Help for Gambling Issues
If you or a loved one is grappling with sports gambling, Dr. Potenza suggests reaching out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-522-4700 for assistance and resources in your area. Mental health professionals can offer counseling to tackle gambling-related issues, with cognitive behavioral therapy recognized as an effective treatment option.
Addressing Sports Betting Addiction: The Way Forward
To mitigate the effects of sports betting addiction, experts advocate for continued monitoring of its impact, bolstered addiction prevention efforts, and tighter regulations for sports betting companies. Dr. Timothy Fong emphasizes the need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the link between gambling problems and mental health issues.
Dr. Ayers proposes five public health measures to help curb addiction among sports betters:
- Utilize tax revenue from sports betting to fund addiction support services.
- Implement regulations on advertising to prevent misleading claims.
- Establish online betting safeguards, including mandatory user breaks.
- Invest in public awareness campaigns and further research into gambling addiction.
- Enhance public health spending to address addiction issues comprehensively.
In conclusion, while the rapid growth of sports betting has created new opportunities for entertainment, it has also posed significant challenges concerning public health. Prioritizing understanding and addressing the risks associated with gambling can aid in fostering a healthier, more informed betting community.
