This week, Massachusetts ushered in a new era of gambling. Sports betting at casinos will be legal in the state starting Tuesday, January 31 at 10 a.m. Legal mobile sports betting will begin in the state in the next few weeks.
Rachel Volberg is a research professor in the UMASS Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, where she is the principal investigator for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study.
Wahlberg in conversation with WBUR weekend edition.
Interview Highlights
Regarding expectations for the impact of the new law:
“We think the impact will be modest. But we think some groups will be vulnerable because they lack gambling experience or because they are very clearly targeted by sports betting operators in an effort to grow the market: teens, young adults, women, immigrants, College athletes and people who have recovered from gambling problems.”
Regarding those most at risk of developing a gambling problem from sports betting:
teenager:”Teenagers usually do not have much gambling experience. With legalization, advertisements will appear and so will social media influencers. Teenagers will follow the cues, and… because of their inexperience, they are more likely to be hurt. Similar to young adults, they can legally participate in this form of gambling once they turn 21, but they still have relatively little experience. “
female: “The research I’ve reviewed shows that women aren’t necessarily very willing to get into and stay in sports betting, say in a casino. But since sports betting is going to be online [soon] Women are more willing to gamble online, and that’s a problem. Another issue is that I see a lot of indications in the literature and media that sports betting operators are intentionally targeting women in an attempt to increase the percentage of the sports betting population. Also, women may be more likely to get in trouble because of their inexperience. “
migrant: “Their vulnerability has more to do with their lack of comfort in the new culture. They don’t speak fluent English, or they don’t have a lot of entertainment in the community, which means they have limited opportunities for entertainment.” So, they Can be vulnerable because they have no other opportunities for recreation. “
College Athletes: “I’m certainly very concerned about college sports betting in general because of what it means for the integrity of the game. But also college athletes who can get into gambling trouble are very vulnerable in terms of the kinds of support their colleges can provide and if they do develop a gambling problem, the college may be able or willing to provide them.”
People in recovery: “[I’m concerned about] People who have recovered from a gambling problem. The strongest predictor of developing problem gambling is having had problem gambling in the past. “
Regarding the nature of the injury:
“From a research perspective, we distinguish between individual hazards [and harms to the community]. Personal harm may include mental health problems, depression or anxiety, and stressful physical experiences.So those personal experiences [spread] For family members, people who have problems with gambling spend more and more time…gambling and less time…with their friends and family.The harm to the community is then not only related to the financial problems that individuals may cause by gambling in order to make money, but [situations that] It can also affect their effectiveness at school or work, or even commit financial crimes to obtain money for gambling. [And that can continue through] Experiences of depression are so severe that they attempt or are able to commit suicide. “
On difficulties dealing with problem gambling:
“The biggest barrier that people face with problem gambling is people’s relationship with money and there’s a lot of stigma that exists between people with problem gambling. One of the major barriers to getting help for them is that they’re so anxious to think they can’t care They feel embarrassed and ashamed if they don’t take care of their finances.”
“We need to understand that gambling problems are not just financial problems, there is good evidence that when people become addicted to drugs or substances like alcohol or nicotine, the same brain mechanisms that affect people, these same brain mechanisms work on gambling as well. .So it’s a problem that people find themselves having a hard time recognizing and acknowledging.”
On ways to avoid trouble:
“If you’re concerned that you might be prone to a gambling problem, how about not gambling? Let’s find something else to do for those who are starting to worry about their gambling. There are tools that people can use to limit the amount of time they gamble.”
“If you start to worry about a friend or family member being involved in gambling, talking to that person – although it’s very difficult – just expressing your concerns and asking if you can help can often start a conversation with that person if they feel the need Get some help talking. [Or it can lead to the person] Cut expenses themselves because they realize that other people care about what they are doing. “
Advice for someone who decides to try sports betting for the first time and wants to avoid problems:
“Go to the bank. Withdraw exactly the amount you are willing to lose, it will be entertainment money. Keep that money with you. Leave all your credit cards at home. Leave all the cards you use to access at home before you go gambling Save money. Oh and a good idea not to go alone but with some friends and make one of them a designated non-gambler so they can call everyone up at the end of the night and keep them all safe go home.”
For help:
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, there are resources available to help.
- Call the Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-327-5050
- Individuals can call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org to speak with a trained specialist for support. Experts are available 24/7. Services are available in multiple languages and are free and confidential.
- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Office of Problem Gambling Services and the Suicide Prevention Program have launched a free and anonymous online screening tool for common mental health disorders, including problem gambling, at MassMen.org. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen personal, family, and community ties among working-age men in Massachusetts. The screening tool provides individuals with the opportunity to self-identify signs and symptoms, educate themselves on mental health topics, and connect with local resources to seek treatment.
Paul Connearney contributed to this report.
