Zona de Azar USA – American Support for Legal Sports Betting Surges: New Study by AGA
USA.- June 5th 2023 www.zonadeazar.com According to new research conducted by the American Gaming Association (AGA), a significant majority of American adults (85%) believe that the U.S. Supreme Court made the right decision in allowing states to legalize sports betting. This comes as the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat prepare to face off in the NBA Finals, with millions of dollars being wagered on the outcome.
The AGA’s research highlights the public’s growing acceptance of legal sports betting and its potential for responsible gambling. Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, emphasized the importance of the court’s ruling and its impact on the industry.
“We are encouraged to see that the overwhelming majority of American adults support the Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to determine the legality of sports betting,” said Miller. “It reflects the growing understanding that regulated markets offer better consumer protections and safeguards against problem gambling.”
Prior to the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, illegal sports betting had already become a $150 billion annual market. Since then, 37 states and Washington, D.C. have recognized the advantages of legal, regulated sports betting over illegal markets. However, concerns have been raised about the impact of this expansion on problem gambling rates.
The AGA argues that problem gambling existed even before 2018 when illegal sports betting was rampant. In fact, the illegal market has shrunk significantly since then, from $150 billion to approximately $64 billion last year. The increasing migration of players to the legal market and the rising tax revenues from sports betting have helped fund programs and services for problem gambling.
To further promote responsible gambling, the AGA suggests that states should allocate funding specifically for education and treatment of problem gambling, instead of diverting it for general use. The revenue generated by sports betting, which has already amounted to $3 billion in taxes for state governments since 2018, can be used to support these initiatives.
Additionally, the AGA has strengthened its Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering to address concerns about advertising. The code now prohibits advertising on college campuses, partnerships that promote sports wagering with colleges, and misleading “risk-free” betting advertisements. Advertisements also serve as a means to raise awareness about problem gambling resources.
Furthermore, the AGA emphasizes the need for easily accessible help for individuals facing gambling-related issues. They propose the promotion of a single national helpline for problem gambling, rather than listing state-specific hotlines in small text at the end of advertisements. Consistent and quality care should be available to anyone seeking assistance through this national resource.
The growth of legal sports betting has sparked a national conversation about how to best support those struggling with problem gambling. The AGA argues that with increased funding and awareness for problem gambling resources, states that have embraced legal sports betting have made the right decision.
Edited by: @MaiaDigital www.zonadeazar.com
