With responsible gambling top of mind for the entire sports betting industry, it was certainly fitting that the annual SBC Summit North America kicked off in New York Citys Altman Building with a pair of panel discussions devoted to that very topic, one of which provided particularly poignant insight into why elite athletes are three times more likely to develop gambling addictions than the rest of the population.
I was able to hide it so well, said Ryan Tatusko, a former Major League Baseball player and gambling addict who is now a lived experience facilitator with EPIC Risk Management. From playing a high level of sport early on, I started navigating risks. If Im injured or hurt, can I go out and play? Risks started to not mean very much to me, so I started to take more and more risks.
Tatusko, who pitched for the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals, said he started playing poker at casinos during spring training. But it was when he got hurt and had to spend time away from the team that this hobby became massively problematic, saying he gambled to get back the feeling of competition.
If I cant compete on the field, Im going to go compete somewhere else, he explained.
Meg Popovic, who basically created the position of director of player welfare and performance with the Toronto Maple Leafs after watching her brother, an ex-NHL player, go through the emotional wringer, seconded Tatuskos thoughts while providing more depth.
Popovic began by saying that what makes athletes great is an innate competitiveness that probably makes them borderline crazy. They feel a desire to compete with somebody else. It gives them a thrill.
Sign Up For The Sports Handle Newsletter!
She then explained the plight of an everyday 18-year-old NHL prospect, saying, Theyre no longer like their peers. Youre making $800,000 a year on an entry-level contract. Probably at the age of 14, youve moved away from home to play your sport. Think about yourself when you were 18. I didnt make a million dollars a year. I didnt really interact with 35-year-old people; I interacted with my peer group and had time to make my decisions professionally.
Popovic went on to explain that such a prodigy is put on a social pedestal by their peers. And when that prodigy hits any kind of turbulence, their friends response is often, You have the dream life. Try working in a factory. You dont have any idea what its like to have a mortgage.
That, she said, leads to an incredible amount of isolation, which, as Tatusko mentioned, can lead to severe boredom and, in some instances, perilous gambling issues.
Explaining the NHL players constant mindset and why they dont seek help when they might need it, Popovic added, Everyones coming for your job, everyones watching you all the time it can create a sense of paranoia. Youre always playing for another contract and theres only a window of time in which you can play your sport. Then its over.They might not have a team culture where everybody trusts the staff. So if youre worried about your next contract, are you really going to tell someone that you have a gambling problem? No, you cant.
Does the culture of the sport allow for the athlete to have opportunities if they articulate a problem? If its very well-known that you cant articulate your feelings or challenges or problems because it will be a knock against you, you dont take that risk. Having a young man whos 19 or 24 come forward and talk and ask for help probably isnt in their upbringing, its not comfortable.
Adding another layer to Popovics explanation, fellow panelist Chris Hangenbrauck of the NCAA said, Athletes feel like they sometimes have specialized knowledge that makes them more prone to think they can win.
But more often than not, that false sense of confidence leads to unimaginable gambling losses, he added.
Earlier in the day, Alan Feldman, a distinguished fellow of responsible gambling at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, hosted a panel on managing player risk through technology in which it was determined that technology was not the solution or at least not the entire solution to identify at-risk bettors.
The human touch is so important, said Tammi Barlow, director of corporate social responsibility for Rush Street Interactive.
Technology is one vertical to educate and prevent, but its not the answer, said fellow panelist Bill Pascrell III of Princeton Public Affairs Group.
Effective prevention is the holy grail in the RG/PG world, but Feldman, Barlow, Pascrell, and Keith Whyte, executive director for the National Council on Problem Gambling, all conceded that, as of yet, there is no silver bullet when it comes to reaching the 95% of non-problematic bettors who might lurch into the 5% that becomes addicted to gambling.
The panelists also agreed that streamlining certain RG/PG components, like publicizing a universal problem gambling hotline (800-GAMBLER) instead of several state numbers and allowing self-exclusion lists to cross state lines, would be highly desirable.
We need one number, said Barlow. I respect all the numbers, but who does it serve? Its for the protection of people. When you put up 15 or however many jurisdictions, how is that message coming across? It is about how quickly can a person in crisis call the number and get help.
I think we can do online gambling more safely than retail, said Whyte. We just need to prove that out. The datas gonna prove that out. This is revenue-positive if done well and right. RG is not just good ethics, its good business.
The lone tension point of the afternoon came when Pascrell talked about his field trips to colleges with industry insiders, which are intended to educate students about the dangers of gambling before theyre of legal age to place a wager. He said hed gotten some flack for what he considered to be a necessary early intervention tool. Whyte agreed that communicating with college students on this topic was important, but said industry types were the wrong messengers.
Excerpt from:
SBC Summit Starts With Poignant Responsible Gambling Panels - Sports Handle
- Discover the best PA online casinos and bonuses like Betway - PennLive - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Opinion: Reining in the online Wild West in sports betting where the public loses - Hartford Courant - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Texas Online Casinos 2024 - Best TX Real Money Casino Sites - The Hudson Reporter - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- The Top 9 Best Online Casinos & Real Money Gambling Sites for 2024 | Covington-Maple Valley Reporter - Covington-Maple Valley Reporter - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Maine online casino bill fails in House, Senate - iGaming Business - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Legal online gambling contributes 500 mln in taxes - Kathimerini English Edition - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- NY Online Casinos 2024: 10 Best New York Casino Sites - The Hudson Reporter - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Best Online Casino Canada 2024 - Top Gambling & Betting Sites - Riverfront Times - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- The Prospects of Maryland Joining New Jersey in the Interstate Poker Arena - Eye On Annapolis - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- 5 Unique Innovations in Online Gambling in 2024 - Washington City Paper - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Maryland legislature fails in online gambling expansion - iGaming Business - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Maryland online casino legalization push falls flat - EGR North America - EGR Global - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Mississippi Online Sports Betting Bill Likely Heading to Conference Committee - Sports Betting Dime - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- BitStarz Bitcoin Casino: Multi-award Winning Crypto Casino - Is It Legit or Not Worth the Money? | Covington-Maple ... - Covington-Maple Valley... - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- 25 Best Crypto & Bitcoin Casinos to Play at in 2024 - Cryptonews - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Could online gambling provide millions to fight sea-level rise in Florida? - Key Biscayne Independent - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Best Live Bitcoin Casino Sites 2024 - Crypto Gambling & Betting - Riverfront Times - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Atlantic City Casinos Profit Declines: What's Behind the Numbers? - Point Spreads - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Best Online Casinos for Real Money in April 2024 - ReadWrite - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Thailand sees Philippines gambling billions, Singapores resorts and rolls the dice on casinos in hopes of cashing in - South China Morning Post - April 14th, 2024 [April 14th, 2024]
- Online Gambling Is Changing Sports for the Worse - The New Yorker - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- 5 Best Real Money Online Casinos & Online Gambling Sites April 2024 - Bookies.com - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Best Bitcoin Casino Sites 2024 - Provably Fair BTC Gambling - Riverfront Times - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Dominican Republic: Ministry of Finance publishes resolution regulating online gambling - Yogonet International - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Dominican Republic issues new online gambling regulation - iGaming Business - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- The surge in teens that are online gambling - FOX 35 Orlando - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Best North Carolina Online Gambling Sites (2024 Update) - The Hudson Reporter - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Thailand steps up efforts against online gambling, blocks 25,000+ websites - Yogonet International - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Best Washington Online Gambling Sites (2024 Update) - The Hudson Reporter - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Best Online Casinos (April, 2024) - TOP 10 Casino Sites - The Hudson Reporter - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- 10 Best Texas Online Gambling Sites in 2024 (Update) - The Hudson Reporter - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- New online casino brand EP88 Singapore announces launch, unveils games selection - Yogonet International - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Nebraska's Online Sports Betting Hopes for 2024 Likely Over, Coalition Reportedly Won't Back Petition Drive - Covers - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Best Ethereum Casino 2024 - ETH Gambling, Slots & More - Riverfront Times - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- CSGOLuck Review 2024: Deep Analysis & Findings - Riverfront Times - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Ranking the best Ontario online casinos in 2024 - MLive.com - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Is it possible to play at online casinos in the Netherlands? - The Emory Wheel - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- McKeon introduces gambling bill package - NJBIZ - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- US sportsbooks join forces to tackle problem gambling - ReadWrite - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Navigating the Digital Wave: Online Gambling's Soaring Popularity and Revenue -, Gaming Blog - EGamersWorld - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Responsible Gambling Council applauds $6.6 million govt. investment to promote responsible play in Ontario - Yogonet International - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Crypto Revelations According Online Casino Groups: Navigating the Digital Gaming Landscape - Latest Cryptocurrency Prices & Articles - April 4th, 2024 [April 4th, 2024]
- Georgia Senate panel passes another online sports betting bill - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- BetMGM's Rise to Dominance in US Gambling and Its New Venture into the UK Market - FingerLakes1.com - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Gaming Gold: How To Choose The Right Online Gambling Options For Your Playstyle - MacSources - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Hawaii Online Poker: What the Future Holds - Pokerfuse - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- 13 Best Texas Online Casinos in 2024 - Real Money Casinos in TX - ReadWrite - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Michigan iGaming and sports betting revenue soars in 2023 - The Jerusalem Post - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Maryland lawmakers revisit online casino legislation with updated bill filed at the Senate - Yogonet International - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Best Online Casinos in Kentucky for 2023 - ReadWrite - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Blockchain Tech in IGaming: Booting Transparency & Integrity The Hype Magazine: Unveiling the Pulse of Urban ... - The Hype Magazine - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Georgia Committee Passes Lottery-Reliant Online Sports Betting Bill - Covers - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Bet365 Officially Launches Sports Betting in Eighth State - Sports Betting Dime - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- What is the Latest News on No Deposit Bonuses in Online Casinos? - FingerLakes1.com - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- bet365 Expands Reach With Launch of Sportsbook in Indiana - Covers - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Record number of people contacted gambling helpline in 2023 figures - Yahoo News UK - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte arrested on online gambling charges - Boston.com - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- One in six admit they probably wouldn't know if their child was betting online, national poll suggests - News-Medical.Net - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Best Live Casinos 2024 - Find a Top Live Dealer Online Casino - ReadWrite - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- The Best Live Dealer Games to Play at MI Online Casinos - Pokerfuse - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Kayshon Boutte facing charges related to illegal online gambling, per reports - Saturday Down South - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Top 5 Online Casino with a No-Deposit Bonus - Eye On Annapolis - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Online Gaming Myths Beginners Should be Aware Of - Play3r - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- 10 Best No KYC Casinos With No ID Verification for 2024 - ReadWrite - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- Navigating India's Online Casino Landscape: A Real Money Guide - Udaipur times - January 30th, 2024 [January 30th, 2024]
- The Trend in Movie-Themed Slot Games in Online Casinos - Smithfield Times Exploring the Surge in Movie-Themed ... - Smithfield Times - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Best Online Casino Jackpots Ever Won - Smithfield Times Top 10 Online Casino Jackpots Unbelievable Wins ... - Smithfield Times - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- What Is The Most Trusted Online Casino - MacSources - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Advantages of Indonesian Online Slots - MWWire - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Rise of Live Poker Rooms: Transforming New Zeala... - HighstakesDB - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- How to remove Gamstop - Play in non Gamstop casinos - The Jerusalem Post - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- North Carolina sports betting takes key step forward with rules established - The Atlanta Journal Constitution - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- The Art of Bankroll Management: Keeping Your Finances in Check - Smithfield Times Bankroll Management: Your Key ... - Smithfield Times - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Unmasking the Crypto Casino Boom: Live Streamers and Player Safety - Affiverse - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- How Technology is Transforming the Landscape of Online Gambling - Analytics Insight - December 25th, 2023 [December 25th, 2023]
- Is online casino legal in South Africa? - Business Insider Africa - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- NOGA: Dutch participation in online gambling growing - iGaming Business - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- Ontarians Bet Over $35 Billion in First Year of Legal Online Gambling - Yahoo Finance - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- 2022 was a golden year for casinos in the U.S.: grossed $60 billion - Los Cerritos News - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- Online gambling brought in nearly $196 million in Michigan in April - Detroit News - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]