Monthly Archives: May 2023

A dealer conducts a card game at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., on Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - New Jersey's casinos, racetracks that accept sports bets and their online partners won $462.7 million in April, an increase of 9.5% from a year earlier.

That figure includes winnings from internet and sports betting operations.

But the amount won on-premises by physical casinos fell by 1.6% to $231.4 million. Because revenue from online and sports betting operations must be shared with partners, the casinos view the amount of money won from on-premises gamblers as the leading indication of the health of the Atlantic City casino industry.

James Plousis, chairman of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, said that even though April's casino revenue was down this year, it was still the second-strongest April in 11 years.

"Growth in internet gaming win and sports wagering revenue pushed Atlantic Citys total gaming revenue above $400 million for the second consecutive month, which is a positive more typically seen during summer. As I regularly visit the casino hotels, I hear a lot of optimism that this will be a great summer in Atlantic City."

Jane Bokunewicz, faculty director of the Lloyd Levenson Institute at Stockton University, which studies the Atlantic City gambling market, said the casinos did comparatively well over the first four months of the year.

"In the first four months of 2023, traditionally some of the slowest of the entire year, Atlantic Citys casino operators generated nearly half of the total gross gaming revenue generated in the whole of 2019," she said.

Heading into what could be a pivotal 2023 summer season, she said, the momentum in total gross gaming revenue earnings could help the industry surmount increased operating costs driven by an ongoing labor shortage and big raises for workers from last summer's union contract talks.

In terms of money won from on-premises gamblers, Bally's won nearly $13.8 million, down 4.3%; Borgata won $58.1 million, down 5.7%; Caesars won $19.6 million, down 2.7%; the Golden Nugget won $13.1 million, up 6.6%; Hard Rock won $38.8 million, down 4.4%; Harrah's won $21.8 million, down 5.7%; the Ocean casino won $34.2 million, up over 30%; Resorts won $12.4 million, down over 13%; and Tropicana won $19.5 million, down 13%.

Money from a gambler sits on a roulette table at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City, N.J., during a game on May 12, 2022. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)

Only Borgata, Hard Rock and Ocean won more from on-premises gamblers in April than they did in April 2019.

When money from internet gambling and sports betting is included, Bally's won $20.5 million, up 18%; Borgata won $107.8 million, up 1.7%; Caesars won $19.9 million, down 1.6%; Golden Nugget won nearly $54.8 million, up 9.1%; Hard Rock won $46.5 million, down 4.2%; Ocean won $39.1, up over 40%; Resorts won $12.3 million, down 12.6%; and Tropicana won $27.2 million, down 18.4%.

Among internet-only entities, Resorts Digital won $61.9 million, up more than 69%; and Caesars Interactive won $8.7 million, down 4%.

Internet gambling brought in nearly $159 million, up more than 16% from a year earlier, and sports betting brought in $72.3 million, up 43.6% from a year earlier. The Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, just outside New York City, brought in more than half of that sports betting total.

Nearly $834 million was wagered on sports in New Jersey in April.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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NJ total gambling revenue up 9.5% in April but in-person casino revenue was down 1.6% - FOX 5 New York

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North America Online Gambling Market North America Online Gambling Market Number Of Internet Users In Million Mexico 2018 2021

North America Online Gambling Market North America Online Gambling Market Number Of Internet Users In Million Mexico 2018 2021

Dublin, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Online Gambling Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Over the next five years, the online gambling market in North America is expected to register a CAGR of 11.78%.

Casino gambling has been one of the fastest-growing types of gambling because it is easy to use and gives the best user experience. With the rise of technology, virtual reality, blockchain, and mobile platforms are being used more and more in the gambling industry across the region.

Gambling and betting are rapidly becoming legal in the United States. Most US states have had legal online horse racing betting for several years now. More recently, the market has witnessed individual states legalizing additional forms of online betting, such as casino games, poker, daily fantasy sports, and lotteries.

The current legislative framework for online betting in the United States allows only bookmakers licensed in Nevada, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey to operate legally, as these are the four states where online betting is regulated. Custom slot types are trending the most in the market, owing to the scope of innovation and personalization by consumers. Moreover, live casinos have gained popularity over the recent past, as they involve a wide variety of live dealers and real-time feedback that helps improve the real-world casino experience.

The gambling industry is being changed by new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), chatbots, and machine learning. AI is used by both online and offline casinos to analyze how customers act and give them better, more personalized service. This method is used to find new customers and figure out how the ones they already have play.

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AI is used to speed up the process of opening a bank account by checking customer information and supporting documents. AI and chatbots can immediately finish some tasks, answer questions, and give information on a wide range of topics. This results in enhanced consumer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and customer retention.

North America Online Gambling Market TrendsThe Increasing Adoption of Internet and Internet-based Devices Supports Market Growth.

As more people use the internet and internet-connected devices like smartphones and tablets, the market for online gambling in North America will grow. This is because people will be able to use gaming websites whenever they want.In 2020, 84.4% of Canadians owned a smartphone, an increase of 4.1 percentage points since 2018, according to Statistics Canada. People are likely to like sports betting a lot, and smartphones are a big reason why.Because of changes in technology, like better graphics and more storage space, most people can now gamble on their cell phones.Digitization has made online gambling more acceptable, which is expected to help the market grow.The market is expected to grow because game-focused cell phones that get cheaper and more popular will be made and sold faster.

The online gambling market in North America is growing thanks to improvements in electricity, phone lines, and internet connections. As online gambling keeps growing and games like online casinos become more popular, online casinos have become very competitive and have become a big part of North American society and the economy.

North American online casinos are becoming more popular. When it comes to internet roulette, blackjack, or online slots, North Americans can choose among various internationally acknowledged web platforms and the best American casino online operators registered in the region. The best online casino platforms stand out from the plethora of gambling options available to Americans by being secure and convenient for local gamblers to use. Jackpot City, Mucho Vegas, DraftKing, and Dunder are among the top North American online casinos.

Canada Holds the Largest Market Share

Canada is largely an unregulated country in terms of online gaming. The Canadian Gaming Commission oversees the industry as a whole in Canada, offering information and responding to any serious issues that arise. Laws pertaining to casinos, online gaming, sports betting, and other similar activities are enacted and enforced by individual provinces. It has been observed that most people in Canada gamble in some form, whether it be charitable gambling, online poker, or any number of other options. Participation in some provinces, like Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, is higher than in other places.

During the forecast years, mergers and acquisitions are among the key techniques anticipated to be used in the Canadian market. The current government-owned Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), which offers online gambling, is planning to coexist with new betting companies operating in Ontario in the future.

Moreover, Canadians are looking forward to a fully operational licensed online casino where they can bet on their favorite games. Moreover, Canadians prefer casino games and sports betting games, and they look out for United States-based sporting events, like the NBA, NFL, and MLB, to name a few.

Furthermore, Canadians often opt to buy tickets or place bets at popular stores like Caliente. Additionally, gamers in the country are often considered digital natives and are generally considered to rely heavily on technology. They also have certain expectations and preferences when it comes to online content and services.

Nine out of ten bets are placed via apps, and this factor provided huge potential for the market during the study period. Sports betting, like football, bullfighting, horse racing, e-sports, and others, has emerged as the most popular online gambling type among the locals in Canada.

North America Online Gambling Industry Overview

The North American online gambling market is highly fragmented and comprises regional and global players such as 888 Holdings PLC, MGM Resorts International (Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa), Caesars Entertainment Corporation, DraftKings (Golden Nugget), and Flutter Entertainment PLC, among others. Major players are focusing on mergers and acquisitions to expand their presence in the regional market and to enhance their brand portfolio to cater to the various preferences of the consumers. Merger and acquisition is the most preferred strategy in the casino gambling market.

The key players are also entering into partnerships and agreements to enhance their offerings. Moreover, these players are also focusing on launching their offerings in these new potential markets. For instance, in March 2021, Golden Nugget launched a new mobile sportsbook in New Jersey with Scientific Games Corporation. Customers of Golden Nugget will gain access to the OpenSports product suite and managed trade services from Don Best Sports as the operator switches to Scientific Games' sports betting software as a result of the deployment.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4 MARKET DYNAMICS

5 MARKET SEGMENTATION5.1 By Game Type5.1.1 Sports Betting5.1.2 Casino5.1.2.1 Live Casino5.1.2.2 Slots5.1.2.3 Baccarat5.1.2.4 Blackjack5.1.2.5 Poker5.1.2.6 Other Casino Games5.1.3 Other Game Types5.2 By Device5.2.1 Desktop5.2.2 Mobile5.3 By Geography5.3.1 United States5.3.2 Canada5.3.3 Mexico5.3.4 Rest of the North America

6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

8 DISCLAIMER

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

888 Holding PLC

DraftKings (Golden Nugget

MGM Resorts International (Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa)

Flutter Entertainment PLC

Caesars Entertainment Corporation

Wild Casino

El Royale Casino

Slots Empire Casino

The Stars Group Inc

BoVegas

Cherry Gold Casino

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/k6tz3p

About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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North America Online Gambling Market Report 2023: Increasing Adoption of Internet and Internet-Based Devices Supports Growth - Yahoo Finance

Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation SONY, is facing financial consequences of an Austrian court ruling that deemed Electronic Arts Inc.'s EA FIFA's Ultimate Team mode as illegal gambling.

According to the German site GamesMarkt (via Games Industry Biz.), the ruling is not being challenged by Sony, making it final.The decision was based on the argument that the ability to sell player cards on a secondary market qualifies the packs as gambling.

See Also:End Of An Era: FIFA and EA Fail To Reach Agreement To Renew Popular Video Game

Therefore, the Japanese multinational conglomerate is now obligated to refund the players 336.26 (USD$364). Although this sum may appear modest, there are other potential claimants expressing interest in pursuing similar cases through the Austrian legal firm Padronus.

Moreover, the firm has announced that it will seek claims for other games, such as Valve Corporation's "Counter-Strike," Epic Games' "Fortnite," and Activision Blizzard Inc.'s ATVI "Call of Duty."

But, why does Sony have to pay for this and not EA, the developer of the video game? Becausethe specific transactions were conducted on the PlayStation Store, making Sony legally accountable.

However, considering the court's ruling, it appears logical to extend the same rules to sales of the game and its Ultimate Team packs across all other platforms where it is available, including Xbox and PC.

Several countries across Europe have expressed concerns that the game's prominent Ultimate Team mode constitutes a form of gambling, prompting actions and inquiries.

Read Next:Gaming Giant Electronic Arts Takes On Soccer: Pays $588 Million for Premier League Rights

Photo: Thgusstavo Santana on Shutterstock and logos on Wikipedia

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FIFA's Ultimate Team Mode Ruled As Gambling: Sony Hit With ... - Benzinga

WASHINGTON Legislators and regulators who began the headlong expansion of legalized gambling in the United States are now moving in spots nationwide to tighten oversight of the gambling industry, particularly as it relates to advertising that may reach underage bettors.

The crackdown extends to bettors themselves, as at least three states have responded to a jump in abusive behavior by moving to bar gamblers if they threaten or harass athletes after lost bets.

This more aggressive approach toward online betting is evident in nations around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where officials in recent months have enacted or proposed new online betting restrictions, in some cases banning celebrity sponsorships and nearly all advertising.

Nationally, 33 states and the District of Columbia offer legal sports betting, with Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska and Florida up next. That means more than half of Americans live in places where sports betting is permitted, five years after the Supreme Court overturned a law that had prohibited most states from legalizing the practice. Collectively, Americans have legally bet over $220 billion on sports since the court action in 2018.

In the United States, the tweaking of state regulations and laws started this winter in states including New York, where mobile sports betting generated $16.5 billion in bets and an extraordinary $909 million in new tax and licensing revenue in the first year it was legal.

But the explosive growth of legally sanctioned, online betting on sports also produced growing concerns that it could cause harm. New York responded by proposing new rules that prohibit any advertising on college campuses or that is aimed at persons under the minimum age, which in New York is 21, while Ohio stepped up enforcement actions.

Folks are waking up to the need to intervene and not wait a decade and have the full brunt of harmful effects of this, particularly on minors, said Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, who said he was extremely disappointed with content of advertising in his state as betting started this year. The industry will certainly never police itself.

An estimated $1.8 billion was spent advertising online gambling last year in local markets in the United States, according to BIA Advisory Services, an industry data aggregator, up nearly 70 percent in just one year, contributing to a sense among certain state regulators and many sports viewers that the airwaves had become too saturated with sports betting ads.

Over the last six months, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio and Connecticut have enacted or proposed new rules relating to sports betting, some of which are now in effect or awaiting final approval. The measures differ by state, but most aim to prevent deceptive marketing or promotions targeting underage bettors.

Maine has proposed rules that would allow sports betting television advertisements to appear only during live game broadcasts, which would be the most restrictive policy in the nation. They would also prohibit advertisements that offer betting bonuses and ban the use of cartoon characters, professional or Olympic athletes, celebrities or entertainers in ads.

Massachusetts last month formally banned marketing on college campuses and prohibited advertising aimed at minors. This month, it also joined New York in moving to prohibit sports betting marketing outfits from getting paid a commission on bets placed by patrons they deliver to sports betting platforms, based on a concern that these arrangements might feed problem gambling.

Brian ODwyer, chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission, said sports betting in his state was generating a windfall of tax revenue. But he added, We have to make sure that we dont hook people, we dont promote problem gambling, and we certainly do not promote underage gambling.

Maryland and Connecticut are separately moving to ban betting companies from signing deals with public universities in which they pay schools to help them market their sports betting platforms.

I think it is outrageous, State Representative Amy Morrin Bello of Connecticut, Democrat of Wethersfield, said of the agreements that certain betting companies had signed with eight universities around the country. Her bill banning the deals passed this month by 142 to 0.

Ms. Morrin Bello and Mr. ODwyer said their regulatory moves were prompted by reporting by The New York Times last year on the explosive growth in sports betting in the United States, including marketing on college campuses.

Ohios casino control commission has imposed more than $800,000 in fines on sports betting companies since January. The violators included DraftKings, one of the most prominent betting platforms, which acknowledged it illegally claimed bettors could make free bets and mistakenly mailed out 2,582 advertisements to state residents under the legal betting age of 21, urging them to download its mobile app and claim $200 in free bets.

Penn Entertainment, another major sports betting company that operates under the brand Barstool, was separately fined in February. Late last year on the University of Toledo campus, Barstool hosted a college football show that promoted the companys mobile sports betting application despite a ban in advertising targeting anyone younger than 21.

Both companies declined to comment.

Mr. Schuler said the enforcement had resulted in more compliance from advertisers. But he said he still had concerns, such as the betting company logos affixed to players jerseys for the professional soccer team based in Columbus, Ohio, a practice he called entirely offensive, given that these players are heroes to many youths. Their greed trumps the common sense that they should be employing when looking out for the harm to minors, he said, adding that he does not currently have the authority to ban betting sponsors from appearing on jerseys.

The surge in abusive behavior targeting college athletes and professional players has drawn attention from coaches and the players themselves. Anthony Grant, the coach of the University of Dayton mens basketball team, condemned verbal and online attacks on his players from angry bettors in January, just days after Ohio legalized sports betting.

In a hearing last month in Illinois, Josh Whitman, the athletic director of the states flagship university, asked legislators to continue to prohibit the states sports books from accepting bets on in-state college sports. He presented legislators with a letter, signed by representatives from many of the states universities, that included five pages of crude and at times racist remarks made online to players and teams.

Chris Boucher, a forward for the N.B.A.s Toronto Raptors, described on a podcast in March one of the hateful messages he received from a bettor. I chose the wrong slave today, the person wrote to Mr. Boucher on social media after losing his bet.

In its purest form, players feel insulted that sometimes fans act as if players are playing for the purpose of them betting, said David Foster, the deputy general counsel of the union that represents N.B.A. players. When it crosses the line and becomes harassment and threatening, thats even worse.

While the specific language differs, legislation or rule changes proposed or approved in Ohio, West Virginia and Massachusetts this year would broadly allow state officials to bar bettors who threaten or harass athletes.

The industry has supported the proposals, saying it abhors that kind of behavior toward athletes.

Theres absolutely no place for that, said Casey Clark, a senior vice president at the American Gaming Association, whose members include most major casino companies as well as FanDuel and DraftKings. And anybody taking their reaction to losing a bet to that extreme I think has a gambling problem and needs to seek help.

The gambling industry and professional sports leagues have announced their efforts to confront harmful practices and prevent further mandatory tightening of rules.

That includes revisions to the American Gaming Associations responsible marketing code endorsing the ban on the term risk free bets and prohibiting marketing partnerships with colleges. The professional sports leagues and some television networks have joined to create what they are calling the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, making statements like sports betting should be marketed only to adults of legal betting age.

Mr. Clark said the industry took steps to confront emerging issues before regulators, reflecting a commitment to provide the right kind of consumer protections that will enable a sustainable legal sports betting market.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a lobbyist representing the National Council on Problem Gambling and other organizations, said the move to tighten rules was a response to the sloppy job state officials did enacting laws legalizing sports betting in so many states since 2018.

These are discussions that should have happened prior to legalization, she said.

The moves overseas by regulators, Ms. Doura-Schawohl added, reflect what could be coming next if the U.S. sports betting industry does not move rapidly to head off problems that have emerged in countries where in some cases sports betting has been legal for many years.

Australia is preparing to ban the use of credit cards to place online bets, which now constitute about 20 percent of wagers. Belgium and the Netherlands, as of this summer, will ban gambling advertising on television, radio, newspapers and in public spaces.

If you have untargeted advertisements billboards and TV commercials you cant control who sees them, including young people and those with gambling problems, said Frerick Althof, a spokesman for the minister of legal protection in the Netherlands.

Canadas largest province, Ontario, last month proposed a ban on the use of athletes and celebrities in advertising, concluding that potential harmful impact on the most vulnerable population, underage persons, remains high. And in the United Kingdom, the government agency that oversees online gambling released a long-awaited study last month that concluded change is needed now as gambling poses the risk of becoming a clinical addiction, proposing financial risk checks for bettors who lose more than $160 a month and endorsing a move to remove gambling logos from the front of players shirts.

Mr. Clark, of the American Gaming Association, said the gambling industry would object if some of these moves were proposed in the United States, as it has to the pending limits on advertising on sports betting in Maine, which it considers excessive.

We have always wanted to learn from more mature markets, he said, but added, We dont support restricting when we can market legal, regulated business.

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First Came the Sports Betting Boom. Now Comes the Backlash. - The New York Times

As the online gambling industry in the United States continues to grow, responsibility has to play a major role in that growth. A trade association for US online gambling companies and their suppliers, the iDevelopment and Economic Association or iDEA, has formalized a set of guidelines for its members to use in formulating their marketing of gaming products.

The code builds on five main principles that aim to not only protect consumers in the US but ensure a prosperous future for iDEA members. iDEAs members realize that when gambling is advertised irresponsibly, no one wins.

Online gambling is among the most heavily regulated industries in the US. For that reason, the first of the five points of iDEAs code focuses on that regulation. According to a news release from iDEA, the five main emphases of the code are:

The release states that iDEAs Responsible Advertising Committee will review the code on an annual basis, making updates if necessary. In addition to updating their training for employees with the codes precepts, members have committed to policing each other on compliance with this code.

The code mostly falls in line with recent regulatory changes in the US gambling industry. It could help gambling companies head off tighter restrictions in the future as well.

Among the tenets of the iDEAs full code beyond the five main principles are guidelines on verbiage of marketing materials for gambling. For example, the code says that advertisements should not use risk-free language.

That issue has been of recent interest to many stakeholders. The NBA banned the use of the term in all gaming ads on its media in February. In March, Caesars became a defendant in a lawsuit over its use of the term in its advertising for its online sportsbook in New York.

Regulators in Pennsylvania tightened their rules to prohibit similar phrases. In response to these measures and others, the American Gaming Association also directed its members to stop using the phrase in their marketing. The AGA is another trade association for gambling companies.

Another issue the code confronts is the advertising of online gambling on college campuses and via university-related media. The iDEA code says its members commit to not advertising on college or university campuses, except where permitted (e.g., alumni communications). This restriction includes school radio or TV stations, but does not apply to alumni networks.

This part of the code could have the most immediate impact. Some of these relationships still exist although they have been falling out of favor. For example, Caesars Entertainment still has a partnership with LSU and Michigan State. Caesars is not an iDEA member, however.

Whether iDEAs guideline means such partnerships will become even more pass is unclear. There is one facet of the code the guidelines do not explicitly address. For that reason, regulators and lawmakers might fill that role.

Another issue that has become a topic of discussion in terms of online gambling marketing is the frequency of ads. Legislators and regulators have been active on the issue to an extent.

US Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) has submitted a bill that would ban sportsbook advertisements on all FCC-regulated mediums. That would include most print publications, radio and television. The FCC does not regulate most content that originates on the Internet, however.

Similarly, the proposed regulations for forthcoming legal sports betting in Maine contain restrictions on television ads. Under the tentative rules, sportsbooks can only advertise their services during an event and only on the channel that the event is being telecast on.

To an extent, this issue has seen some natural resolution. Several gambling companies have cut back on their marketing budgets as a way to control costs. There are other online gambling entities that have not done so, however.

This code does not ask them to consider the extent to which they are advertising themselves in explicit language. A broader statement that sports betting and online gaming must be marketed in a responsible manner could cover that facet, though.

It might be in the best interest of iDEA members to expand that statement in this way. If they dont regulate themselves, someone else could do it for them. Part of the purpose of this code is to prevent that situation.

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iDEA Updates Responsible Online Gambling Advertising Code - PlayUSA

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GPs have an amazing role in embedding discussion around risk and harms through routine assessments, says expert Dr Hester Wilson.

For some people its just a bit of fun, but for others it actually causes real problems in their lives.That is Dr Hester Wilson, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Addiction Medicine, discussing problem gamblings impact on the community.Many of us in general practice havent thought to ask about gambling, but its common with around one in seven people experiencing harms, Dr Wilson said.And people often dont seek help, because they dont know where to go. They feel ashamed.Alongside gambling expert Professor Sally Gainsbury, Dr Wilson recently published an article in the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) aimed at raising GPs awareness of problem gambling and how it presents in general practice.According to the paper, patients do not often present to general practice seeking help for gambling, which makes screening essential to identify harms. Dr Wilson believes the most effective approach GPs can take is to simply ask, or use validated screening tools to help people talk about their gambling.We as GPs have a really amazing role, she said.Its super easy for us because we can ask, as part of our lifestyle review which we do all the time, Do you gamble? Has it caused you any problems? Have you noticed anything?Its really just around flagging those simple questions.While not everyone who gambles has a problem, early intervention can allow people to maintain low-risk gambling. The article discusses the related impacts of gambling on peoples physical and mental health, and financial and relationship issues.These can be huge, and can present physically, particularly for cardiovascular health, Dr Wilson said.So if youre seeing someone whos got [for example] cardiovascular issues or gastrointestinal symptoms, GPs have this opportunity to ask, and our patients then realise that its important that we care about it, that we can assist.I would always say things like, As your GP Im aware that certain behaviours and things you do in your life can have health issues, like your nutrition, weight, exercise, alcohol, drugs, gambling can I ask you about these, and are any of them an issue for you?You can do it as part of your general screen, or you can do it when you have a person presenting with these issues could gambling be part of whats causing it?Often, its not just the person experiencing the gambling issues, but the extended impacts to family, friends and colleagues, Dr Wilson says, who had one patient who triggered her awareness.They came in saying, Im really tired and stressed and I feel depressed, but it turned out that it was a partners gambling and they were taking on that extra load, she said.That patient wouldnt have told me if I hadnt asked, so it was it was a bit of a lightbulb moment for me to do more about this as a GP which is why I teamed up with Sally [Gainsbury] who is an expert in gambling to write this really practical, simple paper for GPs.For each person affected by gambling, six other people in their lives may well be affected, according to Dr Wilson.Gambling has a ripple effect and not just for the individual and its around stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, tiredness, she said.Resources such as free and effective gambling-specific psychological treatments are available across Australia, and GPs can familiarise themselves with referral options.One of the issues that happens for us is where to send them [patients with gambling issues], Dr Wilson said.There are expert gambling services available around Australia in all states and territories that are free, but also cater to peoples families that are affected as well.This is important. Its common. We will be seeing people that are suffering gambling harm or their families and we can let them know that there is support and expert treatment that works.Taking a non-judgmental collaborative approach is also key, according to Dr Wilson.As GPs, when we say, Im going to help you, lets get this happening, lets follow up, that works really well to get people engaged in thinking about changing their behaviour, she said.Or if somebody says, My gambling is not a problem, I dont want to seek any help, then youve at least flagged that it can cause problems in the future.Its a super important thing that we can really make a difference with, with minimal time and effort.Log in below to join the conversation.

addiction medicine Australian Journal of General Practice gambling mental health

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newsGP - Identifying the ripple effects of problem gambling - RACGP

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) are calling on some famous hockey stars to stop advertising online gambling.

They addressed letters to Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid and Wayne Gretzky saying gambling addiction is a problem in the province.

More than a year after iGamings launch, our community has watched gambling revenue increase in the province, while gaming addiction has increased exponentially among the people of our province and beyond, the letters read. Unfortunately, we still havent seen the worst of it, and we are calling upon advertisers to limit the use and number of promotions for iGaming. This forms part of the responsible gaming agenda that was once so adhered to by the province and yet fell by the wayside.

The MSIFN says its a joy watching Matthews and McDavid and was a joy watching Gretzky.

The reality is with your level ofsocial influence comes social responsibility we are profoundly concerned as you advertise for iGaming.

All three letters are similar and can be found on the MSIFN Twitter page.

If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.

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MSIFN sending messages to Gretzky, Matthews and McDavid about ... - durhamradionews.com

For those who love the thrill of sports gambling and the excitement of online casino games, there is a new trend emerging that combines these passions. The intersection of sports gambling and online casino entertainment is becoming increasingly popular among enthusiasts, offering a unique and exhilarating experience that combines the best of both worlds.

The combination of sports gambling and online casino entertainment creates a new level of excitement and engagement for players. Sports gambling allows players to use their knowledge and expertise in their favorite sports to make informed bets and potentially win big. Online casino games, on the other hand, offer a range of games that are based purely on luck, providing a thrilling rush with every spin of the reels as these professionals for online casino gaming at LetsGoCasino.com explain. By combining these two types of entertainment, players can enjoy the thrill of betting on their favorite sports teams while also indulging in the excitement of online casino games. This fusion of two popular pastimes provides players with a more comprehensive and exciting experience that keeps them engaged for longer periods of time.

To get started with sports gambling and online casino entertainment, players should first research reputable online casinos and sports betting websites. Its important to choose sites that are licensed and regulated to ensure fair play and the safety of personal information.

Once youve chosen a site, its time to start exploring the various games and sports betting options available. Most online casinos offer a range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Sports betting sites typically offer a wide range of sports and events to bet on, including popular options like football, basketball, and baseball.

To make the most of your sports gambling and online casino experience, its important to set a budget and stick to it. Gambling should always be done responsibly and within your means. Its also important to take breaks and step away from the games from time to time to avoid burnout.

The combination of sports gambling and online casino entertainment is a trend that is expected to continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. As technology continues to advance, players can expect to see even more innovative and immersive experiences that blend the two forms of entertainment.

One potential future development in this space could be the introduction of virtual reality technology. This could allow players to fully immerse themselves in a virtual casino or sports stadium, creating an even more realistic and engaging experience. Another potential development could be the introduction of social elements into online casino games and sports betting. This could allow players to connect with one another, share tips and strategies, and engage in friendly competition.

The legal landscape of sports gambling and online casino entertainment can vary depending on where you live. In the United States, for example, the laws surrounding sports gambling and online casino gaming have been changing rapidly in recent years. While some states have legalized both forms of entertainment, others have yet to do so.

Its important for players to research the legal landscape of their region before engaging in sports gambling or online casino gaming. This can help ensure that they are participating in these activities in a safe and legal manner.

While sports gambling and online casino entertainment can be a fun and exciting way to pass the time, they do come with potential risks. One risk is the potential for addiction. Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can lead to financial, emotional, and social problems. Its important for players to recognize the signs of gambling addiction and seek help if needed. This can include setting limits on time and money spent gambling, seeking support from loved ones, and reaching out to professional resources for help.

To enjoy sports gambling and online casino entertainment in a safe and responsible way, its important to practice responsible gambling. This means setting limits on time and money spent gambling, and only participating in these activities for entertainment purposes.

Players should also be aware of the signs of gambling addiction and seek help if needed. Its important to remember that gambling should never be seen as a way to make money, and should only be done within ones means.

The intersection of sports gambling and online casino entertainment provides an exciting and immersive experience for players. Combining the thrill of sports betting with the excitement of online casino games can create a more comprehensive and engaging entertainment experience.

However, its important for players to practice responsible gambling and be aware of the potential risks. Gambling addiction is a serious issue, and players should always participate in these activities within their means and seek help if needed.

As the legal landscape and technology continue to evolve, the future of sports gambling and online casino entertainment is expected to be even more innovative and immersive. But its important to remember that the primary goal of these activities should always be entertainment, and never seen as a way to make money. By prioritizing safety, responsibility, and entertainment, players can enjoy the excitement and thrill of sports gambling and online casino games while minimizing potential risks.

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Double Down on Your Passions: The Intersection of Sports ... - SGPN

I havent seen an online sports betting ad in almost 7 minutes. Am I dead? Conan OBrien, 2022 tweet.

Five years ago this weekend, the Supreme Court overturned the ban on sports betting that had stood for decades in most of the country. It would take a few years for states one by one to license the business in large numbers, but to date, sports gambling has been approved in 33 states plus the District of Columbia, a number likely to grow this year.

That tide has brought a tsunami of sports gambling ads as scores of sportsbooks scramble for market share; with each new state opening up a mad dash of commercialism and marketing conveyed on media ranging from traditional TV, social media, radio and text notifications. (The Athletic, it should be noted, has a sponsor partnership with BetMGM.) For many, its an annoyance as their phones and TVs are awash in gambling pitches from the likes of the Manning family (Caesars Sportsbook), Nicki Minaj (the now-shuttered MaximBet) and Rob Gronkowski (FanDuel), to name but a few.

But critics take umbrage with ads seemingly aimed at kids, collegians and problem gamblers littered throughout sporting events, particularly those featuring celebrities who make gambling seem cool and normal. These Madison Avenue spots are just part of the marketing deluge thats snared the attention of lawmakers and regulators.

This is a public health crisis, said U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., who has introduced a bill to ban sports gambling ads, comparing them to once upon-a-time ubiquitous tobacco spots. What weve done is simply displace Joe Camel with this activity.

Whats worse is theyve replaced Joe Camel with celebrity spokespeople. (Joe was a smoking cartoon camel popular in the 80s and 90s in ads for Camel cigarettes.)

According to ad-measurement firm iSpot, national sports gambling TV spots grew from $17.6 million in 2018, the year of the Supreme Court decision, to $278.4 million last year ($110 million in 2023 through April 30). And those figures do not include local TV or other outlets including websites, social media, billboards, radio and podcasts.

There are no definitive studies linking advertising to problem gambling, but calls to the National Problem Gambling Hotline have been on the rise. According to the hotline, monthly calls rose 124 percent to over 30,000 between March 2020 and March 2023. And these figures dont reflect calls to state-specific hotlines.

Tonkos bill, which has received strong industry pushback, is by far the strongest effort proposed by a still nascent movement to rein in the advertising avalanche. There is no federal regulatory framework for gambling, so outside of Tonko, the fledgling pushes are at the state level, especially in Massachusetts, Ohio and even Maine, which is proposing a ban on celebrity endorsers.

Just about every jurisdiction doesnt want to have celebrities, especially ones that could possibly influence somebody under 21 years of age, said Milt Champion, executive director of Maines Gambling Control Unit. He points to Kevin Hart, a pitchman for DraftKings, who starred in the movie Jumanji as possibly normalizing sports betting for kids like Champions preteen grandson.

My grandson, whos now what, 11, 12 years old, likes Jumanji, and so when he sees Kevin Hart on the ads, hes thinking Jumanji, and so on, Kevin Hart says, it (betting) is good, Champion said.

Sensing lawmakers, regulators and public concerns about saturation marketing, the industry of bookmakers, sports leagues and broadcasters formed a consortium last month to push voluntary guidelines. The policies include not promoting irresponsible behavior, marketing only to those of legal age and designing spots in good taste. Depending on ones vantage point, this is a responsible industry initiative or a transparent move constructed to head off coming regulation.

At a November roundtable hosted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to take feedback on proposed state restrictions on sports gambling ads, industry and league experts sang from the same book. Their premise is that nothing is inherently wrong with sports gambling ads, as long as they dont target kids and problem gamblers, or falsely advertise. In fact, the leagues and bookmakers argue the ads promote responsible gaming and pull gamblers away from illegal markets.

We have to permit enough advertising so that the legalized regulated sportsbooks can draw customers away from that illegal market, Marquest Meeks, vice president and deputy general counsel at MLB, told the Massachusetts roundtable. Were working in collaboration with industry leaders and experts like the AGA (American Gaming Association), our broadcast partners, and everybodys layering on top of everybody elses efforts to the point where we not only have the belt, we have the suspenders and weve taken a bit of extra string and rope to tighten it up as well. Because we all want to avoid potential problems that can come from not being as careful and thoughtful.

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Casey Clark, an AGA senior vice president speaking at the same roundtable, added, Looking at advertising not just as a monetary or commercial opportunity, but as an opportunity to advance our RG (responsible gaming) is really critical. I dont think advertising and responsible gaming are mutually exclusive. I think theyre actually really beneficial.

Responsible gaming in industry parlance refers to spots that include messages about help hotlines and exhortations to gamble responsibly.

Clearly, there are strong financial incentives for the gambling ad gravy train to persist. Leagues pull in revenue from sponsorships and media ads, and the broadcasters have a strong source of advertising cash that did not exist before the 2018 ruling.

When the Massachusetts Gaming Commission met again in March, however, the state attorney generals office, apparently concerned about the commissions direction, told the group it would consider invoking consumer protection laws to confront the marketing.

Theres a population of people who will be negatively affected by mobile sports betting who will slide into addiction and possibly face continuing personal, financial and mental health challenges, Pat Moore, first assistant attorney general, told the March 9 hearing. We intend to do our part. Among other things, that means requiring the operators to abide by our consumer-protection laws, particularly as to the marketing, promotion and even the design of their sports betting apps.

We are seeing betting apps being promoted through credits, and even referral bonuses, which often lock users in for a particular period of time, or until they have spent a particular sum of money. These promotions are not permitted in other industries that pose public health risks, like the sale of alcohol or marijuana, and the burden should be placed squarely on the operators to show why any particular promotion should be permitted here.

Individual leagues have their own policies: The NBA bans the use of risk-free in gambling ads run during its games; the NFL caps the number of such spots to six per game. Through such restrictions and the consortium, leagues and bookmakers are sending the message they are taking the concerns seriously.

Still, some industry insiders take a hard-line stance against any advertising restrictions, arguing the concern about children is overblown because gambling is off-limits for those under 21 (a bill to legalize sports betting in Kentucky would lower the age to 18).

Chris Grove, an industry consultant and analyst with Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, criticized efforts to restrict ads and even questioned regulations in Ohio to ban terms like risk-free in betting ads.

What harm does the exposure create? he asked of young kids watching gambling ads. And whats the formula so operators arent directly targeting folks who are under 21? Whats the formula by which theyre meant to not market, or to market in a way that excludes folks who are under 21 from seeing those ads?

Indeed, new regulations in states like Massachusetts that prohibit ads on programming where 25 percent of the audience is under age 25 dont explain how exactly that is determined. Clearly, Sesame Street is out, but what about other programming where the audience might not be so clear?

There are few documented links between exposure to sports gambling ads and addiction. One 2021 research paper did cite a connection between problem gamblers and these ads in Norway. A United Kingdom white paper released last month from the countrys Department for Culture, Media and Sport did not find one but suggested more research into the subject.

The white paper concluded there is a lack of conclusive evidence on the relationship between advertising and harm. The limited high-quality evidence we received shows a link between exposure to advertising and gambling participation, but there was little evidence of a causal link with gambling harms or the development of gambling disorder.

A spokesman for the International Center for Responsible Gaming wrote the U.S. group is soliciting grants for a study on the effects of gambling advertising, spanning television, digital media and push notifications. The ultimate aim of this endeavor is to identify the advertising elements that could potentially encourage hazardous or problematic gambling attitudes and behaviors, the representative wrote. By doing so, the study will establish metrics for the creation of advertising standards for gambling operators and regulatory bodies. The research project is set to begin in the autumn of 2023 and will be concluded within two years.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, 33, doesnt need studies to declare, in his words, the perils of sports advertising. Zarb-Cousin, the founder of the Coalition Against Gambling Ads in the UK, had lost everything to gambling before he reached the age of 20 and nearly took his own life, he said. He started gambling before the UK first allowed betting ads, but he said when they were green-lit in 2007, they only fueled his addiction.

When I saw an advert, I would want to take myself to the betting shop and put a bet on. It definitely exacerbated the problem, he said. Though his initial gambling was fueled by the abundance of physical betting locations in the UK, after 2007 the ads definitely made it worse.

He had been pushing for an ad-ban proposal in the UK white paper but said the interests with money on the line were too hard to overcome. There are already guardrails in the UK that appear to have convinced the government that self-policing negated the need for a ban. In the UK, sports gambling spots cant air during games a policy put in place by the industry and recently the Premier League agreed to ban gambling sponsors on the front of jerseys.

Free speech concerns could hamstring an aggressive restrictive push in the U.S. Under the 1980 Supreme Court decision Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. v. Held, the government may restrict commercial speech if the interest served by the restriction is substantial. The ruling paved the way for clampdowns on booze and cigarette ads, which were placed in the context of public health.

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Rep. Tonko argued sports gambling ads are predatory and target vulnerable populations: When youre going after children, and young adults and college students, and those who may be on lists, in our society, who are in recovery, I think that can be pretty cruel.

But though Tonko and others describe sports gambling as a public health crisis, there is no declaration from a government agency that this is the case. Still, Maines Champion said, I can tell you, addiction is real. Ive seen suicides over addiction. So its nothing to play with, you know, and if its hitting the younger age, weve really got to take a look at it.

Its possible some of the ad volume could dissipate if the number of sports books declines. PointsBet USA is for sale, and the thinking in the sector has always been there is not enough room for the roughly dozen sportsbooks operating today. As they consolidate, the need for marketing intensity might wane. And the newest entrant, Fanatics, is relying on its vast database to capture customers more than a gusher of ads.

DraftKings, FanDuel, (Bet)MGM, Caesars are going to pull back a little bit on how much they spend on all this as they try to become profitable, said Dustin Gouker, an industry consultant. So its maybe a problem thats going to solve itself a little bit more than it would have in the past.

Perhaps, but with three of the largest states California, Texas and Florida yet to legalize sports betting, if they do another rush of market share, ad spending is sure to follow.

And even comic critics like Conan OBrien have come around. FanDuel is now a sponsor of his podcast, Conan OBrien Needs a Friend, during which the comedian reads the betting ads script extolling the gambling platforms virtues. No joking.

(Top photo: Ron Vesely / Getty Images)

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Sports gambling ads are everywhere. Should they be restricted or even banned? - The Athletic

Steams online code of conduct just got an update and, for the most part, its filled with the expected language prohibiting explicitly illegal activity, harassment, use of cheat programs, and manipulation of the Steam client. But a fresh addition to the code of conduct is a strict ban on commercial activity, which includes gambling, a topic of controversy and legal issues for Valve in the past.

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Valve may have once promoted CS:GOs gun skin marketplace as letting you experience all the illicit thrills of black market weapons trafficking without any of the bad stuff, but that same store quickly led to controversy. As gambling on skins thrived via what Forbes described as a liquid market to convert each gun or knife back into cash, it caught the attention of some legal experts. They believe the same regulatory structures that are in place for gambling in traditional sports should be in place for games, based on the value attached to CS:GO skins following the results of pro matches (which exceeded $2 billion in 2015 alone) and the large amounts of spending connected to it.

Valve has since emerged victorious from legal claims that tried to hold it accountable for playing a role in unregulated gambling. Now, in order to avoid any nebulous interpretation of Valves relationship to illicit gambling sites and activity, Steam, its digital storefront, has had its online code of conduct updated to expressly prohibit gambling. Anyone caught violating this policy risks an account ban.

Spotted by CS:GO collector xMercy, gambling was added to prohibitions against commercial activity, which includes a list of bannable offenses such as buying or selling Steam accounts, selling gift cards, begging,or even posting advertisements.

As xMercy points out, commercial activity was something Valve had always been vigilant about on Steam. The significant change here is the direct mention of gambling.

Interest in CS:GO skins is likely to remain high, but now Valve has made it explicitly clear that it wont tolerate direct uses of the service to facilitate unchecked gambling.

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Steam Updates Code Of Conduct, Bans Gambling - Kotaku