Study says, gambling disorder spikes in state where sports betting is legalized

[leea-1334]

That is not what the report says about sportsbetting,,, And no, legalising doesn't automatically spread it. Access does. But better regulated access than unregulated. I have seen what it can do, shouldn't come as any surprise to any of us. But there is I feel a grey line that says you can still be responsible as a business and not resort to predatory practices.

Being responsible on the business side has a basis. Whatever the rules say, the regulators set them, and that is what casinos have to follow for them to be considered responsible as well. So everyone involved, regulators, casinos, and gamblers, all have rules to follow. If we do not follow them, that is where the problem starts.

But addiction can still happen even if there are rules in place. What proper regulation does is only minimize the problem, not totally eradicate it.

Casinos will do the main minimum, and regulations always are 10 steps behind,,, this is the thing. But like I said it is better than nothing. Something in place means casinos have to do the minimum for ethics, but the problem is predatory practices where there are grey zones. If casinos know there are people with addictions they can take advantage of, the law does not cover, this is what is happening now. Simple consumer laws exist in normal retail already (you cannot make fake sales to tempt people to overbuy for example).

[Awaklara]

So what does the research say, is sports betting more harmful than casino games like slots?

For me, both are still the same when it comes to the risk of addiction. In countries where people are fond of certain sports, it’s likely that sports betting will grow faster than those who play in casinos. But we know how fast slot gambling sites are developing these days.
Anyway, legalizing sports betting and other forms of gambling certainly opens up risks for the gamblers themselves. Like inexperienced people who know nothing about gambling but end up trying it because they see coworkers gambling and winning. It’s very easy to influence people to gamble.

[Obim34]

Both casino and slots are addictive to a gambler, but it depends on which the gambler picks interest. There are gamblers who play sports betting without casino slots, and that is the area at which they will become addicted.

Legalizing or not legalizing gambling, gambling addiction will keep increasing, using the back door is no different than front, as long gamblers are determined to gamble, they will find a way to achieve what they want.

[dzonikg28]

That's according to this report. https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/sports-gambling/gambling-disorder-increased-legalized-sports-betting-rcna351785

Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health condition in which patients often cannot stop gambling, despite the growing distress and harm they experience.

Sports betting has exploded across the U.S. following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that paved the way for states to legalize online sportsbooks in 2018. Experts say the findings offer more evidence of potential fallout from the decision — at a time when more online betting sites, like prediction markets, are taking off.

The rate of gambling disorder in states with legalized sports betting rose from 3.0 per 100,000 to 4.8 per 100,000, according to Epic Research, a private firm known in the medical field for its research on public health trends.

So what does the research say, is sports betting more harmful than casino games like slots?

I get that sports betting people are more confident because they believe in their skills, so they tend to put bigger money on it. Compared to slots, some people only use it as a pastime and they do not really bet big.

So what does that mean? Are they saying that if the government allows gambling, it will result in more addiction compared to not legalizing it at all?

In my opinion it has mostly to do with the extreme proliferation of casinos online. If I had to guess how many online casinos there are right now, it is probably in the high hundreds and many of them are easily accessible and don't force their clients through KYC processes as long as it is about smaller amounts. The possibility for literally anyone to sign up and get started has never been easier. On top o that you have celebrities advertising casinos, you have all the football clubs wearing casino slogans and logos on their jerseys, you got advertisements on television. I don't know, there are not many places where you are not confronted with casinos and I think that has become far more intense compared to maybe 15 - 20 years ago.

Subconsciously it probably feels far more natural to gamble than it did many years ago. Gambling was kind of deprecated in the past, but it has become seriously mainstream. And you got the combination of fans supporting their clubs while combining it with placing a quick bet. That's double the dopamine I guess. On the one hand you have endless options to follow matches wherever you are and on the other hand you got an unlimited amount of markets you can place bets on. There is essentially something for everyone. Whether that be your player score a goal or just the result and what not.

What I think is problematic is that theoretically kids have the possibility to sign up. If they spend their savings on gambling and they start doing that very early in their lives, I doubt they will get away from it again. Some of them will, but I can imagine that the majority of them will be stuck with perhaps excessive gambling throughout their lives.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Well, of course it does. Obviously being in a state where it's deemed illegal makes it more difficult for gamblers to create an account, especially since stake is asking for KYC right after creating an account (which is a good thing).
So something being legal is definitely and obviously much more likele to spread much faster than the opposite, don't need any university or other place to tell us that.
Countries that legalized weed also saw a huge spike in usage, that's just how it is. Make something previously illegal accessible and people start using or at least trying it.

[nimogsm]

When gambling is illegal in a country people naturally have a fear of doing that but when gambling is completely legalized a common person will gamble freely knowingly or unknowingly and as a result the amount of addiction can increase. However, I think that gambling addiction is completely dependent on the mentality or activities of the gambler, no one else is responsible for it. Before starting gambling, it is very important for us to gain the right knowledge, as a result of which we will be able to control greed, maintain self-control over ourselves and be saved from the destruction of gambling.

I completely agree with that. A person's social circle has a strong influence on them; for instance, if the majority of a group of friends are into gambling, it is highly likely that the whole group will eventually start gambling and placing bets, as it becomes part of the friendship dynamic. Unfortunately, bad examples are contagious; the same thing happens with smoking in their youth, people started because it was trendy and they didn't want to be left out of the group.

[Wakate]

When gambling is illegal in a country people naturally have a fear of doing that but when gambling is completely legalized a common person will gamble freely knowingly or unknowingly and as a result the amount of addiction can increase. However, I think that gambling addiction is completely dependent on the mentality or activities of the gambler, no one else is responsible for it. Before starting gambling, it is very important for us to gain the right knowledge, as a result of which we will be able to control greed, maintain self-control over ourselves and be saved from the destruction of gambling.

I completely agree with that. A person's social circle has a strong influence on them; for instance, if the majority of a group of friends are into gambling, it is highly likely that the whole group will eventually start gambling and placing bets, as it becomes part of the friendship dynamic. Unfortunately, bad examples are contagious; the same thing happens with smoking in their youth, people started because it was trendy and they didn't want to be left out of the group.

Social influence is very easy to influence gambling thoughts because of cycle of friends a gambler might be following.
Friends has led some people to a more serious gambling condition where it become very difficult for them to stop gambling.
Walking with friends that often take about gambling on a daily can create an affinity for betting almost every

[Betwrong]

That's according to this report. https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/sports-gambling/gambling-disorder-increased-legalized-sports-betting-rcna351785

~The rate of gambling disorder in states with legalized sports betting rose from 3.0 per 100,000 to 4.8 per 100,000, according to Epic Research, a private firm known in the medical field for its research on public health trends.

~

Firstly, look at those numbers. They say, gambling disorder occurs today to 4.8 per 100,000, which means, to only 0.005% of the bettors. It's a very small number. I personally think it's closer to 5%, but it's still very far from the widespread view that most gamblers eventually become problem gamblers.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

So what does the research say, is sports betting more harmful than casino games like slots?

I get that sports betting people are more confident because they believe in their skills, so they tend to put bigger money on it. Compared to slots, some people only use it as a pastime and they do not really bet big.

So what does that mean? Are they saying that if the government allows gambling, it will result in more addiction compared to not legalizing it at all?

Yes, this is what I understand based on what I read from the part of the post you quoted here on the forum, and honestly speaking, I think I agree with this, because in places where gambling is not legalised, we still find people who should be gambling but aren't simply because gambling is not legal, this one try to be and act as law abiding citizens as possible, avoiding whatever will or may land them in trouble if they are caught doing it.

But in places or the moment gambling is made legal in that same country or region, even that avoided gambling because it was initially illegal now get themselves involved in it because now, there is absolutely nothing to fear, and this ones might end up being the ones who end up as problem gamblers because seeing how much the lucky ones make from gambling, they might want that too and forget there are rules to all of that.

[Nrcewker]

The main thing we are ignoring is that after gambling was legalized, the number of reported cases increased. However, before legalization, the actual level was likely the same; many cases simply went unreported because it was illegal.

I believe gambling is always addictive, whether it’s casino games or sports betting. Once a person becomes addicted to making more money, they won’t stop. They may go to any extent to increase their chances of winning.

No one can completely prevent this, and the government’s decision to legalize gambling is not necessarily what caused the increase in the numbers. Ultimately, it is up to individuals to control their minds and avoid becoming distracted or addicted to gambling.

[IjawMan]

There is no difference in sports betting to casino game like slots, whenever someone is addicted to gambling it doesn't limited to a particular sports because all are for making their bet to double while they expect something at last.
Of course we can say that gambling is addictive but it doesn't means that only sports betting that is more addictive to people, people gets addicted to something they so much put interest because they believe that such thing would give them money they expected.

When legality of gambling operational licence is spoken of it comprises both the sports bets and casino games and where the platform chooses to deal with casino games alone it is still not a problem not to think that there will not be rising gambling interests in that jurisdiction.

Be it that sports or casino games, people are much comfortable with playing on licence platforms cause their legal approval gives the players confidence that they can sue the platform should their gambling rights be breached  in any way.

[shawonngp]

Legalizing or not legalizing gambling, gambling addiction will keep increasing, using the back door is no different than front, as long gamblers are determined to gamble, they will find a way to achieve what they want.

Legalizing is of course can be a big factor to increase gambling addicted, especially in the country where I live, gambling is prohibited and there are examples of 2 years in jail for promoting gambling on social media, because the government strictly monitors gambling addicts, so many people do not want to be involved in gambling, and those who are involved in gambling maintain their privacy, they have to gamble and even hide from their families. A few days ago, the government identified and permanently banned over 50,000 MFS (Mobile Financial Services) accounts involved in gambling transactions. So many do not want to start gambling because of these fears.

[Russlenat]

Legalizing is of course can be a big factor to increase gambling addicted, especially in the country where I live, gambling is prohibited and there are examples of 2 years in jail for promoting gambling on social media, because the government strictly monitors gambling addicts, so many people do not want to be involved in gambling, and those who are involved in gambling maintain their privacy, they have to gamble and even hide from their families. A few days ago, the government identified and permanently banned over 50,000 MFS (Mobile Financial Services) accounts involved in gambling transactions. So many do not want to start gambling because of these fears.

In this case, as long as you are not promoting it, you are safe, right?

So if you just gamble and find a way to gamble online because it is illegal in your country, then you become more like a victim. I think the government already knows that some people will really find a way to gamble no matter what. So as long as there is no jail time, that is still alright. But banning gambling can really help reduce gambling addiction, though it will never fully eliminate it.

[alastantiger]

Both casino and slots are addictive to a gambler, but it depends on which the gambler picks interest. There are gamblers who play sports betting without casino slots, and that is the area at which they will become addicted.
Legalizing or not legalizing gambling, gambling addiction will keep increasing, using the back door is no different than front, as long gamblers are determined to gamble, they will find a way to achieve what they want.

Gambling disorder is a problem that needs to be tackled from the root and the root of gambling disorder is because people are yet to get proper education on gambling, to solve this problem is not about legalizing gambling or not legalizing it because this does nothing to the people that are gambling. But if you make them understand what gambling addiction is and the proper way to gamble then we can reduce the high rate of addiction we are having from gamblers. Casinos are benefiting from this hence it is unlikely that they will be the one to start this movement so it has to be organizations that want the best interest of the citizens of this society as the government are not showing any interest in educating people and make them understand what gambling can do to people that are not disciplined.

[Lida93]

Legalizing is of course can be a big factor to increase gambling addicted, especially in the country where I live, gambling is prohibited and there are examples of 2 years in jail for promoting gambling on social media, because the government strictly monitors gambling addicts, so many people do not want to be involved in gambling, and those who are involved in gambling maintain their privacy, they have to gamble and even hide from their families. A few days ago, the government identified and permanently banned over 50,000 MFS (Mobile Financial Services) accounts involved in gambling transactions. So many do not want to start gambling because of these fears.

That's just the difference, it's all in the law. What the law approves is what many people tends to get involved more a lot than what the law is against for fear of legal consequences. So it isn't surprising knowing that sports betting is more in participation by gamblers in legalized states than in states where it's criminalized with penalties given to defaulters, there can't be any debate against this.

[Botnake]

So it isn't surprising knowing that sports betting is more in participation by gamblers in legalized states than in states where it's criminalized with penalties given to defaulters, there can't be any debate against this.

I wonder what state you are referring to about gambling being criminalized if people violate the law.

Because from what I know, even if gambling is illegal in a certain country, the government does not usually punish people who simply find a way to gamble. What they punish are those who promote gambling or run illegal gambling operations, not the gamblers themselves.

[len01]

So what does the research say, is sports betting more harmful than casino games like slots?

It all depends on the trends in the local community. For example, in some cities in my country, casino gambling is far more widespread than sports betting. That's because slot games have become the trend, with many people believing they can win huge jackpots from them. In the end, many people become addicted, to the point of selling their homes and other valuable belongings just to keep playing slots. Some have even taken their own lives after suffering massive losses.

I get that sports betting people are more confident because they believe in their skills, so they tend to put bigger money on it. Compared to slots, some people only use it as a pastime and they do not really bet big.

It's basically the same thing. What I mean is that when a gambler becomes more confident during a gambling session, they'll keep placing bigger bets. With slot games in particular, many gamblers convince themselves, "If I lose $1000, I'm sure I'll win $3000 next."

Because of that mindset, they keep depositing more money to chase what they believe is just around the corner. Without realizing it, what started as "just for fun" gradually turns into something harmful.

[qwertyup23]

<..snip..>

So what does that mean? Are they saying that if the government allows gambling, it will result in more addiction compared to not legalizing it at all?

There is definitely a correlation between legalizing gambling and the amount of gambling addiction that affects people in a given country.

Imagine, if something were to be legalized, then everyone would have access to use such service (save for exceptions on age limits, etc.). If the government were to legalize and allow gambling in their country with lenient restrictions, then expect a number of people to be more addicted in the process.

Now, if you do not legalize gambling, this will NOT completely eliminate gambling addiction but it will become more difficult for persons to have access to it. Instead of going through the hassle of setting-up VPNs, they would rather do something else which would de-influence them further.

[Aanuoluwatofunmi]

Any form of abnormal gambling behavior is as a result of the gambler's decision on how you wanted to engage himself with gambling, distance from being discipline with what they are found during, because not everyone can responsibly gamble or give the right approach to whatever they are doing, abuse is what is common to some people before they cannot just manage to adjust and readjust when there is time for doing so.

[barbara44]

Legaled made it go up 50% compared to illegal. Which one would you prefer, have a world where betting is illegal and companies could steal from people (because if you are an illegal company, why would you not be afraid of government to be illegal casino but be honest to your customers?) with a potential to lose all you have to illegal casinos while having 3 out of 100 thousand people be addicted.

Or actually have legal places where they are all government tracked and controlled and know every data and owners and workers and paying taxes etc, basically full on legal places, while having just less than 5 people out of 100 thousand people actually be addicted? That's the whole thing, I think we should be considering that. I think this is better.