The Rise of Mobile Sports Betting in New York: A Double-edged Sword
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Over the past three years, New Yorkers have placed an astounding $58 billion in bets, largely driven by the convenience of mobile sports betting. this surge in gambling activity has transformed the way people engage with sports, but it has also raised concerns about addiction and financial harm.
“It’s never been easier to win big,” said one Bills fan News10NBC spoke with at a tailgate party. The fan had collected $1,700 in winnings the night before. For many, the ability to place bets from their phones has made gambling more accessible than ever. “I think it definitely helps, I mean doing it on your phone instead of going into a location is way easier,” another bettor shared.
While most people place bets before games, others gamble during the action. “I’ll bet in the games sometimes depending on how I’m feeling but normally I bet before the game,” a third gambler at the tailgate explained.Though, the thrill of winning frequently enough overshadows the reality that losing is far more common. “I don’t do it anymore, I lost too much money sports betting I don’t do it no more,” one person admitted.
Dr.Chinazo Cunningham, Commissioner of NYS OASAS, the state agency tasked with addressing addiction, recently sat down with News10NBC Investigative Reporter Jennifer Lewke to discuss the implications of mobile sports betting. “We’re closely monitoring as we don’t see increases in terms of the number of phone calls to our hope line. We’re not sure if it’s just a matter of more time and we’ll see that difference or if there’s something else happening,” Dr.Cunningham said.
Studies in othre states that have legalized sports betting suggest that those most negatively affected are ofen people who can least afford it. “Absolutely, and so what we do know from the data that has been collected is that young men and people with lower income levels and lower education levels tend to be those who are at the highest risk of having harms,” Dr. Cunningham explained.
One of the challenges with mobile betting is the lack of oversight. “You don’t get that extra set of eyes when you’re at home by yourself with your phone,” jennifer Lewke noted. Dr. Cunningham emphasized that problem gambling is often a hidden addiction.“So, often problem gambling is known as the hidden addiction because sometimes it’s not so easy to see it,” she said.
When asked whether addiction is more about time or money spent, Dr. Cunningham clarified, “the hallmark of addiction is actually not about the number of hours or the number of dollars. It’s about loss of control, so that might be expecting to spend a certain amount of dollars or expecting to spend a certain amount of time and then that goes out of control. It’s also continued gambling despite negative consequences.”
For those struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. Most insurance plans now cover outpatient treatment, and some sports betting revenue supports treatment programs.
| Key Insights on Mobile Sports Betting in New York |
|——————————————————-|
| Total bets placed in 3 years: $58 billion |
| Primary driver: Convenience of mobile betting |
| Highest risk groups: Young men, lower-income individuals |
| Addiction hallmark: Loss of control |
| Treatment support: Covered by insurance, funded by betting revenue |
as mobile sports betting continues to grow, it’s crucial to balance its entertainment value with awareness of its potential risks. For more stories on addiction and sports betting, visit News10NBC’s investigative series.
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The Rise of Mobile Sports Betting in New york: Insights from an Expert
Table of Contents
Over the past three years, mobile sports betting has surged in New York, with residents placing a staggering $58 billion in bets. While this has transformed the way people engage with sports, it has also raised concerns about gambling addiction and financial harm. To explore this complex issue, we sat down with Dr. Rachel Adler, a leading expert on addiction and behavioral health, to discuss the implications of this growing trend.
The Convenience Factor
Editor: Dr. Adler, New yorkers have embraced mobile sports betting at an unprecedented rate. What role does convenience play in this trend?
Dr. Adler: Convenience is a major driver. Being able to place bets from your phone eliminates the need to visit a physical location, making gambling more accessible than ever. This ease of access can lead to more frequent betting, especially among younger demographics who are already tech-savvy.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Editor: Are there specific groups that are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of mobile sports betting?
Dr. Adler: Absolutely. Research shows that young men, particularly those with lower income and education levels, are at the highest risk. These individuals may view gambling as a quick way to improve their financial situation,but the reality is that losses often outweigh wins,leading to notable harm.
Editor: You’ve described problem gambling as a hidden addiction. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Adler: Yes, problem gambling is frequently enough called the hidden addiction as it’s not as visible as substance abuse. Someone can be betting excessively on their phone without anyone around them noticing. This lack of visibility can delay intervention and make it harder for individuals to seek help.
Understanding Addiction
Editor: How do you define gambling addiction, and is it more about time or money spent?
Dr. Adler: The hallmark of addiction isn’t the amount of time or money spent—it’s the loss of control. Someone might intend to bet a small amount or for a short period, but they end up going far beyond their limits. Even when faced with negative consequences, they continue to gamble, which is a clear sign of addiction.
Treatment and Support
Editor: For those struggling with gambling addiction, what resources are available?
Dr. Adler: fortunately,help is more accessible than ever. Most insurance plans now cover outpatient treatment, and some of the revenue generated by sports betting funds treatment programs.Additionally, there are hotlines and support groups specifically designed to assist those dealing with gambling-related issues.
Conclusion
As mobile sports betting continues to grow, it’s essential to balance it’s entertainment value with awareness of its potential risks. By understanding who is most at risk and recognizing the signs of addiction, we can better support those who might potentially be struggling. If you or someone you know is dealing with gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Resources are available, and recovery is absolutely possible.
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