The summer season has come to a conclusion. For many households, this time of the year represents being “back–to-school” and a full throttle return from vacations to focus more intently on daily responsibilities. But for others, September marks an increased risk of problematic gambling behavior as the college football and NFL seasons kick-off. For this reason it’s important for us to release our monthly problem gambling news report early. Below is a breakdown of what’s happening across America in the month of September thus far.
Current Developments Regarding Problem Gambling that Individuals, Households, and Organizations Should Know About
Time to Celebrate National Recovery Month!
We begin on a positive note, as National Recovery Month runs through the entire month of September. Spearheaded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the annual event seeks to grow public awareness regarding mental health and addiction recovery and applauds the nearly 60 million Americans who identify as being in recovery. Furthermore, the event recognizes all of the individuals and organizations (caregivers, family members, and other allies) who work tirelessly to help make recovery possible.
The goals of the 2023 edition of National Recovery Month tie into what we do at Kindbridge Behavioral Health extremely well. The call for more accessible and specialized treatments while also fostering an environment that protects the mental and behavioral health of future generations highlights the Importance of problem gambling support in America. View more on National Recovery Month 2023 and how it relates to our mission.
Sports Betting Now Live in Kentucky
On opening day of the 2023 NFL season (September 7) sports betting went life in Kentucky. The release moved forward despite a Kentucky Legislative Research Commission survey that found over 12 percent of residents who gambled in the annum confessed that they may exhibit problematic gambling behavior. How will this allowance of sports betting impact the 5.6 percent of the state’s adult population (around 200,000 residents) who are considered to be “at risk” gamblers? Time will tell, but what’s more important is for these residents to know that they have a place to turn to for support.
Plea Deals Accepted in College Sports Betting Scandal (others have not)
The saga regarding Iowa and Iowa State University investigations (which began in May of 2023) regarding the violation of sports betting policies and alleged tampering of evidence continues into September. If you’re unfamiliar with what has occurred thus far, you can read a summary of the original news releases here. As far as what is happening today, interested parties need to know that 5 of the student-athletes who were charged in the investigation have accepted plea deals. In doing so, the original federal charges of tampering with records was replaced with a guilty plea to underage gambling. Two other athletes who have pled not guilty – a current Iowa State wrestler and former ISU football player – have been charged with Class D felony identity theft.
It’s extremely unfortunate that young adult athletes are facing life-altering legal action in the face of a nation that has normalized sports betting. It’s unfortunate that this is occurring in a country that is fostering an environment where young males are being targeted to become gamblers before their frontal lobes have had a chance to develop (impacting cognitive capacity for proper planning and judgement). This places the necessity to increase access and awareness for problem gambling support systems and educational programs to the forefront. Kindbridge is leading the nation in this capacity. If you, your household, or organization wants to learn more about how Kindbridge will bridge the gap between the demand for mental health support and recovery, reach out via the contacts provided below.
Get Immediate and Effective Problem Gambling Support
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
OR
Email [email protected]
