The legalization of sports betting in the U.S. has led to record-breaking profits for betting companies and increased tax revenue for state governments. However, the rise in legal gambling has also coincided with a surge in the number of individuals with gambling disorders. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that millions of adults in the U.S. suffer from gambling addiction to varying degrees.
The easy accessibility of online gambling apps has made it easier for individuals to place bets on sporting events, with former athletes often endorsing betting companies in advertisements. The most popular type of bet is a money line bet in which individuals bet on the outcome of a game, match, or race without any point spread involved.
The increase in gambling addiction has resulted in calls for federal funding to help prevent and treat gambling disorders. Senator Richard Blumenthal has introduced the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment Act to allocate federal funds for this purpose. In addition, Congressman Paul Tonko has proposed legislation to ban online and electronic advertising of sports gambling, citing concerns about the impact of gambling on young adults and individuals prone to addiction.
While the U.S. government has not yet implemented restrictions on sports betting advertising, some European countries have already taken steps to limit or ban gambling promotions. Nations like the U.K., the Netherlands, and Belgium have imposed regulations on betting advertisements featuring former sports stars and social media influencers. These restrictions aim to prevent the normalization and trivialization of gambling.
As the U.S. contemplates potential changes to gambling advertising practices and the treatment of problem gamblers, there are lessons to be learned from European countries that have already taken steps to address the negative impacts of legal gambling. The rise in gambling addiction in the U.S. has prompted lawmakers to consider legislative changes to protect vulnerable populations and provide support for those struggling with gambling disorders. Only time will tell if proposals like those put forth by Representative Tonko and Senator Blumenthal will garner enough support for passage.
