Posted on Jun 18, 2022
Sports betting ads are everywhere. Some worry gamblers will pay a steep price
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https://www.npr.org/2022/06/18/ [login to see] /sports-betting-ads-sports-gambling
A new era of legalized betting is taking root across the U.S., one that is radically reshaping what it means to watch professional and collegiate sports.
For many fans, the days of the once-a-year Super Bowl office pool are a distant memory. Betting on sports in much of the country is now as easy as tapping an app on your phone.
Sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel — companies that set odds and take bets — have unleashed an advertising storm, intent on scooping up as many customers as possible. If you've driven past a billboard, turned on a TV or used the internet lately, odds are you've seen an ad for sports betting.
States regulate how sportsbooks can operate but give companies wide latitude over what they can say in advertisements — a break from the constraints on other industries where there is a risk of addiction, such as tobacco. And there are no advertising rules specific to the sports betting industry at the federal level. The limited oversight has raised alarms for some, including advocates who worry about the potential risks for those with a history of problem gambling and people too young to bet.
A new era of legalized betting is taking root across the U.S., one that is radically reshaping what it means to watch professional and collegiate sports.
For many fans, the days of the once-a-year Super Bowl office pool are a distant memory. Betting on sports in much of the country is now as easy as tapping an app on your phone.
Sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel — companies that set odds and take bets — have unleashed an advertising storm, intent on scooping up as many customers as possible. If you've driven past a billboard, turned on a TV or used the internet lately, odds are you've seen an ad for sports betting.
States regulate how sportsbooks can operate but give companies wide latitude over what they can say in advertisements — a break from the constraints on other industries where there is a risk of addiction, such as tobacco. And there are no advertising rules specific to the sports betting industry at the federal level. The limited oversight has raised alarms for some, including advocates who worry about the potential risks for those with a history of problem gambling and people too young to bet.
Sports betting ads are everywhere. Some worry gamblers will pay a steep price
Posted from npr.org
Gambling
Sports
Posted 2 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel Privately owned casinos in CA are compelled to contribute money to gambling addiction programs.
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I still dont understand how I can become outrageously drunk and gamble all my money away legally, but I cant buy a little bit of marijuana to consume at home.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Holden, the sports betting expert, suggested this is partly because attitudes toward gambling in the U.S. have changed. At certain points in the country's history, gambling was considered as bad as or even worse than other vices, such as smoking or drinking, he said. Now, gambling is both widely accepted and tacitly endorsed by state governments that, in many cases, operate their own lotteries and also reap the tax benefits from casinos and online gaming.
"I think, in some ways, gambling is viewed by society as somehow less harmful than drinking or smoking. Gambling addictions are incredibly devastating, so it's perhaps misguided to think that," he said.
Bickler, who operates the New Jersey help line, says that's especially true given the growth of not just sports betting but all online gambling — and the explosion of advertising meant to entice people to bet.
"You can't watch TV in prime time or listen to any radio station without hearing gambling site ads. They are all around us," Bickler said. "The spread of the addictive issues just has been horrendous and so widespread."
If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, you can call or text The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at [login to see] or chat with a specialist online. Inquiries are answered 24/7 and remain confidential."
..."Holden, the sports betting expert, suggested this is partly because attitudes toward gambling in the U.S. have changed. At certain points in the country's history, gambling was considered as bad as or even worse than other vices, such as smoking or drinking, he said. Now, gambling is both widely accepted and tacitly endorsed by state governments that, in many cases, operate their own lotteries and also reap the tax benefits from casinos and online gaming.
"I think, in some ways, gambling is viewed by society as somehow less harmful than drinking or smoking. Gambling addictions are incredibly devastating, so it's perhaps misguided to think that," he said.
Bickler, who operates the New Jersey help line, says that's especially true given the growth of not just sports betting but all online gambling — and the explosion of advertising meant to entice people to bet.
"You can't watch TV in prime time or listen to any radio station without hearing gambling site ads. They are all around us," Bickler said. "The spread of the addictive issues just has been horrendous and so widespread."
If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, you can call or text The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at [login to see] or chat with a specialist online. Inquiries are answered 24/7 and remain confidential."
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