By tf-lawyer.com Gambling is often marketed as a source of entertainment, and for many gamblers, that’s how they view it. However, it has the potential to morph into problematic behavior, particularly with online gambling, which presents greater risks compared to traditional forms. This is a significant finding from a recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University, highlighting that roughly 3% of the American population shows signs of problematic gambling. Alarmingly, that figure skyrockets to 10% among young males.
In a report by ABC News, the survey involved participants answering nine questions related to gambling-related issues, such as the need to borrow money to gamble and experiencing emotional or financial conflicts. Scoring 8 or higher on this scale indicates a gambling addiction.
While around 3% of men grapple with gambling addiction, this rises to 10% for young men aged 18-30, compared to 7% among young women in the same age group. Furthermore, 24% of men admitted to engaging in at least one problematic gambling behavior, with the figure increasing to 45% for men under 30.
Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the primary researcher behind the study, pointed out that although gambling is largely viewed as entertainment, it can lead to serious consequences. He specifically noted that online gambling carries more significant dangers, particularly regarding online sports betting and slot machines.
In response to these concerns, the gambling industry has begun implementing “responsible gambling standards,” which empower individuals to set their own limits on deposits, withdrawals, and bets. Additionally, there’s an effort to make helpline information more visible and to voluntarily reduce advertising.
The National Council on Problem Gambling is currently examining state gambling laws and has discovered a wide disparity in protections for individuals battling gambling addiction, indicating that much improvement is needed. The council has outlined 82 responsible gambling standards that are most effective in safeguarding gamblers and compared these to current state laws. Their findings suggest that Connecticut, New Jersey, and Virginia meet 49 of these standards.
Meanwhile, Washington D.C., New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Tennessee meet 40 or more standards. States like Arizona, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana comply with 25 to 39 standards. Conversely, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming fall short, achieving only 10 to 24 of the standards.
