People Seek Help for Gambling Addiction Following Normalization of Sports Betting
By Movieguide® Contributor
A new study revealed that more people than ever are searching for help for gambling addiction ever since sports betting websites became legal across the country.
The study, published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal, revealed that ever since 2020, when sport betting began being heavily pushed onto consumers, Google searches for gambling addiction has spiked. Searches related to getting help for gambling have increased by 23%, with spikes occurring during the summer when multiple leagues are in season.
“The results of this time series study suggest that access to sportsbooks, sports wagers, and potential help-seeking for gambling addiction increased substantially and highlight the need to address the health implications of sportsbooks, including recognition and treatment of gambling problems and their broader societal implications,” the study said.
The results of this study are troubling as sports betting has only become more popular in recent years. Nearly every sporting event will now feature commercials pushing a variety of betting websites promoted by recognizable athletes and celebrities. Some leagues are now even sponsored by sports betting companies. Online sports betting is currently legal in 38 states along with the District of Columbia.
“Sports betting has become deeply embedded in our culture,” said study co-author Matthew Allen, a third-year medical student.
“From relentless advertising to social media feeds and in-game commentary, sportsbooks are now everywhere,” he added. “What was once a taboo activity, confined to the fringes of society, has been completely normalized.”
READ MORE: CAN YOU BEAT A GAMBLING ADDICTION?
Now, five years after the rise in popularity of sports betting, some lawmakers are now working to combat the spread of gambling.
This month, two federal legislators introduced a bill to create a federal fund that would be solely focused on gambling addiction, treatment and research.
“The growing legislation of sports betting coupled with the ability to place bets from your phone whenever you want have created the perfect storm for gambling addiction — resulting in a severe public health crisis,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “With this legislation, we work to stop addiction and save lives.”
The spread of sports betting has been especially detrimental for children and teens who have been able to illegally engage in the act through these sites. While they are supposed to verify a users age before allowing them to place bets, many young users know workarounds to access the sites, getting them hooked before their brains fully develop. This can create lifelong addictions that are only made worse by the barrage of ads for gambling and the mainstream air the practice has taken.
READ MORE: TEEN GAMBLING INCREASES AS MORE STATES LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING
