How Online Sports Betting Will Lead To Addiction And Problem Gambling

• Gambling addiction is an impulse control disorder meaning one has no self-control.
• Problem gambling is an unspoken problem that is occurring in many states with sports betting.
• Mobile sports betting is growing in the states and is more convenient for bettors.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Addiction to gambling can happen to anyone no matter one’s background. Gambling can start out simply as a hobby but end up being an obsession that comes with major consequences.

It does not matter if the addiction is poker, slots, sports betting, or even scratch-offs. These addictions can cause bettors to fall in financial debt, get a divorce, lose their job, or worse.

Dr. Darragh McGee, an assistant professor at the University of Bath, spent two years studying two groups of sports supporters and recording their depth in gambling. Doctor McGee found that the supporters could no longer watch sports without applying multiple bets.

“Far from being the knowledge-based, risk-free activity it is marketed as, the profound appeal of online sports gambling has had dire consequences for many young men,” said McGee.

Gambling addiction is defined as an impulse control disorder. Simply put, it means bettor will gamble without any self-control, and whether they are broke or loaded with money, they will bet on sports regardless. Most problem gamblers suffer from other things like past bullying, depression, anxiety, stress and even bipolar disorder.

How Does Mobile Betting Play A Role In Problem Gambling?

Mobile sports betting is becoming a huge industry all around the United States. It allows people to shop around for better betting lines and bettors love this aspect of wagering. Additionally, mobile bettors like the idea of gambling without having to leave home.

With this, specialists are concerned that sports betting online may cause a new age problem for addicts. Experts say about two percent of people will become addicted to gambling, only adding to the problem.

Plenty of states already offer a mobile betting industry and in the next few months, other states such as Illinois, DC, Montana, New Hampshire, and Tennessee will join the online betting trend.

Tennessee even took their mobile betting a step further by only allowing online wagering without any land-based options available.

Some of the states do have a percentage of the tax revenue they collect from legal sports betting heading to help fund problem gambling. However, as the industry expands, it will likely not be enough to keep up with the number of people who may be caught in this issue.

With such easy access to gambling, the concerns arise of the danger this could cause for those without any self-control.

News tags: Dr Darragh McGee | Gambling addiction | mobile betting | problem gambling