One might not think that a problem gambling news update would be required within less than a month since our last report. Unfortunately, the growth of events and incidents is up there with the revenue being collected by casino and sports betting operators across the nation. In continuing to be at the forefront of gambling disorder support while keeping Americans informed, we hope to sustain a spotlight on a problem that is tearing apart the lives of individuals, households, and organizations. Below is a breakdown of what has occurred over the last few weeks.
Current Developments in USA Sports Betting that Individuals, Households, and Organizations Impacted by Problem Gambling Should Know About
More NFL Players Suspended for Betting
NFL players are falling like dominoes in the offseason of 2023. Heading into July, Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games last season. They were joined by Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Tennessee Titans who was suspended six games for betting on other sports while within team facilities. This news follows a wave of recent offseason NFL suspensions for the same policy violations, along with reports of one player who lost a mind-blowing $8 million to gambling in 2022.
In the face of significant financial loss, fines, suspensions, and lifetime bans, elite athletes continue to violate policy. The mainstream media and public alike are left baffled as to why they would do so, not understanding that players may be more vulnerable to compulsive gambling due to co-occurring conditions and other risk factors which you can read about here.
Kindbridge works with athletes and athletic organizations in providing problem gambling support, including the NFL Players Association’s Professional Athletes Foundation. If you’re an athlete or concerned parent, coach, manager, or representative please connect to Kindbridge today to discuss avenues for support.
Kentucky to Open Sports Betting in Time for NFL Season
Back in April we announced that Kentucky would be joining the union of US states with legal sports betting. This week (at press) it was reported that the Bluegrass State will roll out sports betting for retail on Sept. 7, which is the kickoff date for the 2023-24 NFL season.
The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission reports that over 12 percent of the state’s active gamblers indicate that they may exhibit problematic gambling behavior. The same report unveiled that 5.6 percent of the adult population are considered to be “at risk” gamblers. With nearly 200,000 adult residents at risk, eyes of concerned parties will be watching closely as the first month of sports betting unfolds.
If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or that of a loved one, reach out to Kindbridge today. We offer online problem gambling support to residents of Kentucky (and the entire USA).
Major Players Launch in Puerto Rico in July
In 2019, the passing of Bill 2038 in Puerto Rico opened up the gates for retail sportsbooks and online betting sites to offer their services to residents on the island. In the spring of 2023, BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment were awarded the first mobile sports betting licenses by regulators in Puerto Rico. As of July, both operators are now up and running in the U.S. territory. With 6.8% of the population labelled as problem gamblers, this segment of the population is about to grow even bigger.
If you’re concerned about your wellbeing, or that of a loved one, reach out to Kindbridge today. We offer online problem gambling support to citizens of Puerto Rico.
The Crassness of Unregulated Markets Knows No Boundaries
Despite sports betting being regulated in nearly three-dozen states, a number of unregulated operators continue to operate within U.S. borders. They attract players from within markets where these players may not be able to make wagers. Furthermore, they are attempting to lure a wider audience of gamblers in by offering entertainment props. These are actionable odds on pop-culture events occurring around the country, ranging from political elections to celebrity breakups. Unregulated operators know no boundaries when it comes to these enticements, and campaigns often come off as crass to say the least. Such is the case with current (July 2023) betting odds being released for a famous rapper’s double murder trial verdict. As we said; crass.
Controversial entertainment props are a smart marketing ploy for operators as the campaigns get picked up by the media and are reported to Americans as if there was some informational value. This allows them to skirt already lax regulations about how sports betting is advertised in the USA. Media has been disguising these discussions as news, when in reality they are recruiting a new segment of gamblers who may otherwise not have been interested in betting.
Stay tuned as Kindbridge Behavioral Health continues to keep America informed about the state of affairs in problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with the behavioral health concern, reach out today.
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