Local News
Increased gambling addiction is a result of easy accessibility
Indianapolis, Indiana – The exhilaration of perhaps winning a sizable monetary sum from a sports wager can come at a steep price.
In the state of Indiana, sports betting generates a monthly economy worth millions of dollars.
“Maybe $700 million or so going into sports wagering every month,” said Ed Feigenbaum, editor of Indiana Gaming Insight.
And younger age groups are becoming more interested in it. The NCAA only recently revealed its research on collegiate students’ involvement in sports betting.
“I think everybody was surprised by the high rate of prevalence of gambling among the 18-22 demographic,” said Feigenbaum.
It revealed that 51% of women and 2/3 of men have bet on sports, with most of their wagers falling between $10 and $20.
“Anywhere between 90 and 95% of the sports wagers in the state are placed on a mobile application,” said Feigenbaum.
Due to how accessible betting applications are, experts warn that more people are at risk of developing an addiction.
Indiana legalized sports betting in September 2019. The National Council on Problem Gambling reports a 30% increase in gambling addiction since then.
“A gambling addiction can be so strong because the payout, if you will, it is not continuous,” said Kimble Richardson, a licensed Mental Health Counselor at Community Health Network.
According to Richardson, there should be greater education about the prize’s gold rush.
“I think it is too easy to access, and we don’t have enough education and measures in place to alert people that it might be a problem,” said Richardson.
The Indiana Council on Problem Gambling has resources to assist if you or someone you know needs assistance.
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Hendricks Co. Sheriff’s deputy dies after being electrocuted at crash scene
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Man who won the primary election despite being accused of murder was found guilty of a lesser crime
-
Local News2 weeks ago
A decrease in gun violence signifies South Bend’s accomplishment
-
Local News2 weeks ago
While searchers continue to look for missing kayakers, experts warn of a deadly dam in the White River
-
Local News2 weeks ago
City releases eclipse visitor estimates for seven Bloomington parks
-
Local News2 weeks ago
252 Indiana towns receive funding for the construction of roads and bridges
-
Local News2 weeks ago
4/20 Day: According to an expert, Indiana’s marijuana stigma is fading
-
Indiana1 week ago
While staff members get ready to move into a new structure, the Westfield Washington Public Library shutters
Leave a Reply