March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and sportsbooks, as well as regulatory agencies, are promoting responsible gambling and voicing support for those who may be vulnerable to addiction.
Gamble Responsibly
The gaming industry has grown significantly since 2018, the year in which the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, the federal law that prohibited sports betting anywhere in the nation except Nevada and a few other select jurisdictions. There are currently 30 states (plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico) that offer licensed mobile sports betting and 38 that offer online and/or retail, with Missouri in the queue to add to that number by the end of the year.
Moreover, iGaming has taken root in seven states, including New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Of course, this does not include the approximately 2000 commercial and tribal casinos that dot the landscapes of 44 US states.
Thus, it is safe to say that Americans like to gamble, and the vast majority do so without any deleterious personal or societal effects. However, as with anything, there are some who are vulnerable to gambling addiction, much like those who are susceptible to alcoholism. It is a small segment of the population, estimated to be between 2% and 3% in the United States, who have a gambling problem.
The gaming industry has spent significant resources combatting the problem and providing support for those who need it. The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has cautioned against overextending during the most popular sports tournaments of the year—March Madness.
“We encourage Michigan residents to enjoy March Madness, but it’s vital that they do so in a way that keeps their well-being a priority,” said Henry Williams, Executive Director of the MGCB. “Whether you’re placing a bet on the game or participating in other forms of gaming, setting limits and being aware of the risks is crucial to ensuring a healthy experience.”
Gambling Research Stats
A great deal of money has been contributed to studying gambling behavior and treating addiction. Mental health services are also available to those who may require support when in crisis. Below are results from the studies that have been conducted in this ongoing field of research.
- Yale Medicine reports that men outnumber women at a ratio of about 2 to 1 among people with gambling addictions, although there are a growing number of women with gambling disorders.
- Research from the University of California shows that 2.9% of women were problem gamblers compared to 4.2% of men.
- A study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that 91% of college men and 84% of college women reported they gambled. Of these emerging adults who gambled, 14% of men and 3% of women gambled at problematic levels.
- A Columbia University study determined the following rates of disordered gambling have been found: Native/Asian Americans (2.3%), Black/African Americans (2.2%), White/Caucasian (1.2%)
- China has the highest rate of gambling addiction, with 60 million people considered to be addicted, which equals 4% of the population.
Other interesting findings show that Nevada, despite having more casinos than any other state, does not have the highest rate of gambling addiction in the United States. That unfortunate distinction belongs to Oklahoma, with 6.2% of the population reporting a disorder.
