Sports Betting Advertising: Impacts on Problem Gamblers
Author:
Mark
Published:
Jun 28, 2024
,
10:18 a.m.
ET
Updated:
Oct 18, 2024
,
05:02 p.m.
ET
With the increased accessibility of sports betting, both online and in-person, problem gambling continues to be a growing concern across the United States. As more states legalize new forms of gambling, more regular sports betting advertising naturally comes along with it.
Massachusetts is one of the 38 states live with legal sports betting, and thanks to research performed by the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) project, recommendations have been made for more responsible ways to advertise gambling. Strides continue to be made, so let’s take a deeper dive into the findings, recommendations and resources available.
Problem Gambling Behaviors impacted by advertising
First and foremost, SEIGMA acknowledged that their online panel surveys included a high percentage of regular gamblers. While that may be the case, their research conducted over a nine-year period (2014-2023), is still impactful in terms of the direction of changes in behavior.
As technology continues to advance, the platforms on which sports betting advertising is available increases. No longer are the days of just print and even television advertising, as the internet and social media have created notably more platforms.
Despite this, the regulations on sports betting advertising are loose at best, even with billions of dollars being poured into it. This can impact problem gambling behaviors due to the advertising often highlighting the benefits and excitement of gambling rather than painting a true picture. Worse yet, the negative consequences are at times even downplayed.
Push to limit gambling advertising in Massachusetts
Due to these impacts on problem gambling, a push to limit sports betting advertising in Massachusetts is in order, and the research conducted by SEIGMA is at the forefront. That’s thanks to their recommendations to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).
The MGC has made their own recommendations to improve regulations, and SEIGMA supports those while also believing that even more can be done. Therefore, they added to the MGC recommendations with some of their own, which are as follows:
Limit advertising of higher-risk games
Limit advertising focused on specific purposes (eg. gambling as entertainment, gambling to support good causes etc.)
Require that inducements not create a sense of urgency, be limited in value, and be offered only when customers are opening an account
Restricting celebrity endorsements, as these:
Tend to promote subsequent gambling involvement by young people
Precipitate relapse in recovered addicts
Counteract the effectiveness of public health messages advocating limited use
Regularly obtaining information about trends, tactics and engagement with gambling-related advertising, marketing and influencer promotion strategies
Measuring the potential reach of gambling-related posts on social media platforms
Assessing the prevalence and effectiveness of gambling prevention and treatment messages within the broader social media landscape
The incorporation of these strategies should help further strengthen the regulations already put in place by the MGC.
Expanding Problem Gambling research & resources in MA
Reviewing this work from the SEIGMA project, it’s clear that problem gambling research is still in need of expansion. This is also demonstrated by the fact that 10% of the population in Massachusetts is either at risk or has a significant gambling problem based on a survey of 3,000 people conducted by the University of Massachusetts.
This extra push for research and resources also comes after the budget for programs focused on helping combat problem gambling is set to be cut in half. Thankfully, universities and public health institutions are doing their part when it comes to expanding resources.
Gambling Addiction treatment in Massachusetts
Birches Health is also available for those either dealing with problem gambling, feel they are at risk or know someone who may be in either scenario. Birches offers care from the comfort of home one-on-one with specialized, licensed professionals. And their methods are proven to be effective, with 90% of patients claiming to have an improved quality of life following services.
Here are some different options for taking the first step with Birches Health in MA:
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch with the Birches team right away.
