It is no secret that mobile sports betting has been a major success in New York since its launch in early 2022. However, its popularity has also brought some massive betting advertising from operators and such ads are hard to miss. In the meantime, addiction clinics such as Catholic Charities claimed that gambling addiction is a hidden one.
The Empire State opened its mobile sports wagering market in January 2022, allowing nine digital sportsbooks to offer legal sports betting on various sports. The digital sector is overseen by the New York State Gaming Commission and delivered over US$700 million in taxes in 12 months for education, youth sports, and tackling problem gambling
Friends and Family Often Miss the Signs
In a recent interview, Jeff Footer, an associate director for the Integrated Care Clinic, commented some bettors have been gambling for seven or eight and it has finally caught up to them. He added that the individuals who have gambling issues that he works with, have hidden it from their families and friends due to being ashamed of it.
Furthermore, Mr. Footer elaborated that technology has changed how people gamble, as they no longer need to be physically located at a casino and can place bets right at their fingertips. According to a Harris Poll from 2022, approximately 71% of sports bettors place a wager once a week and 20% of them bet on sports at least once during the day.
He added that with all online gambling, spotting a gambling addiction in a close family member can be more difficult. The experts explained that the longer it goes on, the more stressful it becomes and noted that such individuals can become more argumentative or isolated and, in his words, it gets out of control in a sudden.
However, he warns that it is not only adults, as gambling services are creeping into younger demographics. He claimed that games like Fortnite offer live casinos in the kid’s games and it become quite normal these days. That is why he urges everyone who is concerned about a loved one experiencing problem gambling to speak to them and help them find help.
Comptroller Report Finds Increase in Problem Gambling
However, a recent report by New York’s Comptroller revealed some concerning data. His report found that the fiscal 2022-23 saw a 26% bump in in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports from the previous fiscal year. According to the report, this is closely related to the introduction of mobile sports betting in the Empire State.
With the increasing popularity Shanley Olszowy, the program manager for the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center gave some tips on how to spot a problem gambler. Some of the warning signs of a gambling problem include becoming increasingly obsessed with the idea of placing bets, becoming hooked on the highs of gambling, and gambling more and more money, more and more often over time.
Source: Niemi, Rachel “New York treatment clinics work to help those battling gambling addiction” Spectrum News 1, October 26, 2023
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