For millions of Americans, December denotes the most wonderful time of the year. But for individuals and households that have been touched by the country’s problem gambling crisis the sentiment isn’t quite the same. Kindbridge is here to help change that. Not only do we persist as America’s unwavering support platform for gambling disorder, we have news which indicates that brighter days may be ahead for 2025 and beyond. Read ahead to learn more.
December 2024 News Regarding Problem Gambling that America Needs to Know About
Kindbridge Launches Holiday Helplines Across USA
The Holidays can be a trying time for some, particularly those who struggle with problematic sports betting and/or casino gaming. The consequences of gambling addiction, from ruinous debt and fractured familial relationships to compromised mental health, certainly don’t align with the spirit of the season. For this reason Kindbridge has launched our Holiday Helpline which includes highly-specialized and effective treatment for process addictions such as problem gambling. Further, we have released a nationwide Mental Health Help Hotline for members of the military this Christmas, which includes FREE services to servicepersons and their families in the state of Colorado. If you or a loved one struggle with problem gambling, select the option below as applicable.
Holiday Helpline for Problem Gamblers in the USA
Problem Gambling Helpline for Military in Colorado
Problem Gambling Helpline for Military in the USA
UK Announces Move to Curb Problem Gambling
The UK is fighting the same problem gambling crisis as the United States (and Canada) but have been ahead of the curve in regards to a number of regulatory responses. For instance, they were the first in line to ban the use of famous influencers in sports betting advertising back in 2022. As we enter December, the UK Government has announced yet another initiative that serves as a call-to-action for regulators on American soil.
To begin with, the UK Government’s Gambling Minister plans to institute a new and mandated levy to generate £100 million (about $1.27 million USD) for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling related harms. Further, in recognizing that young adults are particularly vulnerable to problematic gambling behavior, the UK is introducing stake limits for online slots. Online slots have been singled-out as a higher-risk gambling product associated with large losses, long sessions, and binge play that is associated with dark flow psychology. Stake limits will be set at £5 (about $6.50 USD) per spin for adults aged 25 and over, and £2 (about $2.50 USD) per spin for those aged 18-24.
Both initiatives are positive steps in the right direction that regulated U.S. states can borrow inspiration from.
Sweepstakes Can No Longer Hide Under the Rug?
For the uninitiated, social sweepstakes casinos strike a very strong resemblance to traditional online casinos. They have been able to skirt gambling regulations because their players purchase, win, and lose virtual coins., tokens, and prizes as opposed to “real money” although those coins/tokens/prizes can be traded in for real money. So yes, it’s gambling, tucked behind a thin veil of semantics.
Sweepstakes casinos may no longer be able to hide their activities under the rug. Last week, the National Council of Legislators from Gambling States (NCLGS) released a draft Model Internet Gaming Act (MIGA) aimed at streamlining online gambling regulations across the United States. Within the framework is a provision to provide consistency among states considering iGaming legalization and to address concerns around consumer protection, illegal gambling, and public trust. One of the biggest highlights is the inclusion of social sweepstakes casinos. If impacted, social gaming companies would be regulated in the same manner as typical online casinos. The move would effectively shutter those without the infrastructure to transform operations and abide by Responsible Gaming practices.
Stay tuned for more as stories develop.
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