Rise of sports betting comes with increase in problem gambling
GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Odds are you’ve seen an ad promoting online betting recently, especially around the Super Bowl.
It’s estimated about 20 percent of Americans will have money on the game.
The sports betting industry has seen explosive growth since 2018. That year, the Supreme Court repealed a ruling that prohibited states from legalizing sports gambling. Now, sports gambling is legal in 38 states, with 29 of those states allowing online betting.
The Super Bowl is not only America’s biggest game, but it’s also the most bet on event in the US. The American Gaming Association estimated that 67.8 million Americans bet on this year’s Super Bowl, up 35 percent from last year’s game. And the association estimated that $23.1 billion dollars were wagered on this years game, up nearly 44 percent from last year’s 16 billion. (AGA)
The Super Bowl is expected to smash betting records. Nearly 68M US adults plan to wager
Along with the rise in popularity of sports betting, has come a rise in problem gambling and addiction, especially among young men. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) saw a 30 percent increase in gambling problems between 2018 and 2023.
Many with problematic gambling behavior don’t even realize it’s an issue, making it important to know the signs of problem gambling. While several of the negative consequences of problem gambling and gambling addiction resemble substance addictions – and the brain chemistry is the same, it’s legality and lack of physical symptoms can make it harder to identify and easier to hide.
National Council on Problem Gambling Director of Communications, Cait Huble, says that the majority of Americans are able to gamble without experiencing gambling related harm and that things can be done to help gamble more responsibly including, setting a money and time limit for yourself, treat money you bet as the cost of entertainment, do not chase lost money, and never gamble on credit.
It is important to acknowledge that those things are easier said than done and if you struggle with them, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by Optimove before the 2023-2024 NFL season, 45 percent of NFL bettors admitted to “betting more than they could afford to lose” (Forbes). According to 1-800-Gambler, a West Virginia problem gambling help network, 6.5 percent of West Virginians are classified as at-risk gamblers.
The good news is there are plenty of resources available. If you, or someone you know might be struggling with gambling issues, please call 1-800-Gambler or visit firstchoiceservices.org.
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