As more states legalize sports betting, it is crucial to address the potential for gambling addiction among younger demographics. In Ohio, there was a 55% increase in calls related to gambling addiction during the first year of legalized sports betting. Experts report that the callers seeking help are skewing younger, with many in their 20s and 30s.
North Carolina recently legalized mobile sports betting, just in time for major events like the ACC basketball tournament and March Madness. In the first week of legal betting in the state, nearly $200 million was wagered, according to lottery officials. On the first day alone, over $23.9 million was bet, and almost half of that amount came from promotional bets offered by sportsbooks to attract new customers. Bettors in North Carolina received over $12 million in winnings in the first 12 hours of sports gambling.
The increase in calls to addiction hotlines underscores the importance of providing resources and support for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling behavior. As more states legalize sports betting, it is crucial to address this issue head-on and provide support for those who may be at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
