Gambling Addiction Sparks Debate Over Federal Oversight
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As sports betting proliferates across the U.S., a debate intensifies about the need for federal regulations to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling addiction, even as the gaming industry pushes back.
Federal Intervention Debated
With gambling now legal in 48 states, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut argues that a nationwide approach is vital, stating:
“All (addictions) except gambling have some kind of intervention by the government to impose some constraints and provide some protection.”
—Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Senator for ConnecticutBlumenthal and Rep. Paul Tonko are pushing the Safe Bet Act, aiming to standardize regulations for sports betting companies, including ad restrictions and affordability checks.
The American Gaming Association opposes these federal standards, arguing they undermine state regulators. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 2 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for problem gambling in any given year.
Diverging Views on Responsibility
Industry spokesperson Joe Maloney champions “responsible gaming,” focusing on individual responsibility and education.
However, critics like Harry Levant at the Public Health Advocacy Institute, view this model as flawed, pointing out:
“You need regulation when the industry has shown an inability and unwillingness to police itself. It’s the moral equivalent of Big Tobacco saying, ‘Let us do whatever we want for our cigarettes, as long as we pay for chemotherapy and hospice.’ We wouldn’t tolerate it with tobacco. We don’t tolerate it with alcohol.”
—Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute
MGM Springfield casinoState-Level Efforts
Massachusetts has implemented programs like GameSense and Play My Way to curb gambling disorders. According to Mark Vander Linden of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, 64,000 people have signed up for Play My Way.
Meanwhile, State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa is advocating for the Bettor Health Act, pushing for stricter affordability checks and advertising limits in the state.
Industry Pushback
The American Gaming Association resists further betting restrictions, claiming that it could drive people to illegal markets.
Legal Battles and Public Awareness
Critics are resorting to lawsuits and public awareness campaigns to combat what they see as predatory practices. The Public Health Advocacy Institute has sued Caesars Online Casino and Harrah’s Philadelphia.
A slot machine at the MGM Springfield casino.With substantial lobbying efforts by gambling companies, the future of gambling regulation remains uncertain.
