March Madness Brings Gambling Risks, Calls for Awareness

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As March Madness basketball tournament kicks off, New York is emphasizing the importance of problem gambling awareness and education. With a surge in sports betting across the state, including a 62% increase in online wagers since 2022, there are growing concerns about the risks of gambling addiction. The article highlights efforts by the state, local casinos, and community partners to identify warning signs, offer resources, and promote responsible gaming practices.

Why it matters

March Madness is a time when many New Yorkers engage in sports betting, either casually or more seriously. However, the rapid growth of online and mobile betting options has increased the risk of problem gambling, which can have significant personal and societal impacts. Raising awareness and providing support is crucial to ensuring the economic benefits of gaming are not outweighed by the costs of addiction.

The details

New York has seen a 16% increase in online sports betting over the past year, with New Yorkers now wagering an average of $72 million per day. This surge in gambling activity has heightened concerns about problem gambling, which can lead to financial troubles, relationship issues, and other negative consequences. In-person casinos like del Lago Resort & Casino are training staff to identify warning signs and offer support, while the state is proposing new measures to strengthen prevention, treatment, and data-driven approaches to address long-term trends.

• March is recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New York.
• In 2022, New York's online sports betting market saw a 62% increase in wagers compared to its first full year of operation.

What’s next

Governor Hochul has proposed measures to strengthen prevention and treatment of problem gambling, while lawmakers have introduced additional protections such as curbing predatory marketing and enforcing stricter age-based guardrails.