According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), we’re experiencing the most significant and fastest expansion of gambling in our history. The U.S. has set new records in each of the last two years for revenue from gambling, including casino games, internet gaming, and sports betting. Montana has followed this nationwide trend, with the Montana Gambling Control Division reporting a new record high for gaming revenue in 2023 of $79.8 million.
One of the areas that has seen significant growth is sports betting since it became legal in 2019. Part of this growth has been influenced by the ease of access to mobile platforms that often incentivize placing bets and advertising contributing to positive associations with sports betting. One survey found that almost 1 in 5 people in the U.S. personally bet money on sports in some way in 2022. Before this year’s Super Bowl, a survey from the American Gaming Association found that a record 26% of adults were expected to bet on the Super Bowl, an increase of 35% from last year. This suggests there are likely more people starting to gamble who may not have gambled before.
For most, gambling is an entertainment experience, but there are risks involved, including the development of problematic gambling. Problem gambling, or gambling disorder, is an addictive disorder that affects the brain and has a wide range of effects on individuals, families, and communities. Signs of gambling disorder may include feeling the need to bet more amounts or more often, thinking about gambling all the time, feeling irritable, restless, or losing sleep if not able to gamble, difficulty cutting back or controlling gambling despite adverse consequences, and gambling jeopardizing financial stability, relationships, or jobs. Ultimately, if gambling is contributing to some problem in your life, it can be a sign of a gambling disorder.
Trying to identify when gambling has become a problem can be challenging, particularly early on, where issues may be unrecognized by the individual and attributed to a problem with luck or lack of money instead of changes in the brain that are becoming difficult to control. Typically, people seek treatment for themselves or family members only when the consequences have become severe. As with any other health issue, if there is even a question that gambling might be causing a problem, make an appointment with a medical professional to discuss your concerns. For those who have a gambling disorder, there are effective treatments available that may include therapy, medications, and addressing mental health or other addiction concerns if present. There are also 24-hour helplines available, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-522-4700) and the Montana Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-888-900-9979.
Like other addictions such as tobacco or alcohol, increased availability or access may provide the opportunity for a problem to develop in those who are vulnerable. The NCPG has recommended steps that can be taken to lower the risk of gambling becoming problematic through the Responsible Play initiative. Some of these include understanding the odds of a particular game, setting limits with bets, only risking money that you can afford to lose, and avoiding gambling while using alcohol or other substances, which can impair decision-making. If you find it challenging to stick to your rules or limits, making an appointment with a medical professional to discuss can make a difference.
Matt Perdue, MD
Resources:
https://responsibleplay.org/
https://www.ncpgambling.org/
http://www.mtproblemgambling.org/
