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The Guardian recently reported on the growing concerns in the United States regarding a surge in gambling addiction among young people, linked to the boom in legal sports betting. This worrying trend has led to calls for stricter regulation.
Treatment clinics and helplines are overwhelmed with the increasing number of young people seeking help for gambling addiction. In New Jersey, for example, the number of calls to helplines has more than doubled since the legalization of sports betting in 2018. This pattern is replicated across most states, with a notable rise in clients under 25 seeking treatment.
The accessibility of gambling through smartphones has made it easier than ever to place bets, leading to an increase in underage gambling. Experts like Brad Ruderman of Beit T’Shuvah treatment center and Rick Benson of Algamus in Arizona highlight the vulnerability of young people to gambling addiction due to their still-developing brains.
The problem has been exacerbated by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to decide on legalizing sports betting, leading to a surge in the practice. New Jersey’s Council on Compulsive Gambling noted a dramatic increase in gambling-related issues among the youth following this decision.
The article also discusses the industry’s response, noting that the American Gaming Association advocates for responsible gambling and emphasizes the regulated nature of the industry. However, experts like Shekhar Saxena, former director of the WHO’s mental health unit, argue for stricter regulation, pointing out the exploitative nature of gambling advertisements targeting young people.
The increase in problem gambling has led states like Ohio to implement programs like Time Out Ohio and partnerships with apps like Gamban to offer solutions and support for those struggling with gambling addiction. In 2021 for example, Kindred Group announced to offer the Gamban self-exclusion services to its Unibet customers in the US.