The landscape of sports betting in the United States has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with the legalization of online sports betting in several states fueling a remarkable surge in activity. However, alongside this boom comes a concerning trend: a notable increase in calls to gambling helplines, indicating a rise in gambling-related issues, particularly among younger demographics.
Reports from state after state reveal a mounting volume of calls to gambling hotlines, with callers exhibiting more severe circumstances and a skew towards younger men, primarily in their 20s and 30s. Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, sheds light on this troubling phenomenon, stating, “We believe, nationwide, the rate and severity of gambling problems have increased across the United States since 2018. We have every reason to believe the growth of online sports betting is a major contributing factor to the increase in gambling problems.” The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the 1-800-GAMBLER gambling hotline, providing crucial support to those in need.
The watershed moment came in 2018 when the Supreme Court overturned the ban on sports betting, paving the way for states to legalize it. Since then, 38 states have embraced sports betting, with five others actively considering legislation to follow suit. This legalization has unleashed a wave of online sports betting platforms, transforming the landscape of gambling in America.
Whyte underscores how the gambling landscape has evolved since 2018, noting, “Before 2018, there was no advertising for sports betting during events. Now, you not only have sports betting ads saturating the events, you can even bet on the game that’s right in front of you.” The ubiquity of sports betting advertisements, coupled with the accessibility of in-game betting, has heightened concerns about the potential for gambling-related harm.
Despite the staggering revenue generated by the gambling industry, Whyte emphasizes the need for greater investment in addressing gambling-related harm. He remarks, “The federal government collected, last year, more than $8 billion in gambling tax revenue. Yet they don’t put a single penny of those windfall profits back into the health system.” This calls attention to the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the social costs of gambling addiction.
In response to these concerns, some of the biggest players in the gaming industry have united to form the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), signaling a collective commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices. With a combined pledge of over $20 million, industry giants such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and others aim to implement evidence-based strategies to safeguard customers and mitigate the risks associated with online sports betting. Through collaboration and shared resources, ROGA seeks to chart a path towards a safer and more sustainable future for online gambling in America.
