NCPG: Super Bowl Highlights Need For Responsible Sports Betting

Sports betting is a hot topic in the US. Obscured within the bawdy revenue numbers and seemingly never-ending legalization efforts is the industry’s darker side, the social harms that gambling leaves in its wake.

In an attempt to shed some light on the issue, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) published a press release highlighting the importance of safer sports betting. The message addresses this weekend’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the anticipated billions of dollars that will get bet on Super Bowl LV, as well as the future as sports betting expands into new markets.

The Uniqueness of the Super Bowl Betting

Every year, the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events worldwide, sporting or otherwise. It is also the most bet upon game of the year, with billions of dollars wagered not just on the outcome but on all sorts of prop bets, including how long the national anthem will last and what color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach.

According to NCPG’s National Survey of Gambling Attitudes and Experiences (www.ncpgsurvey.org), $7 billion will be wagered on Super Bowl LV, with upwards of 25 million Americans placing bets. The NCPG goes on to say that roughly 4% (one million individuals) will engage in some type of unsafe betting practice, including:

• Not setting a limit on how much they will wager
• Not sticking to that limit
• Betting to escape feelings of anxiety, stress, and/or depression, whether mentally, emotionally, or financially
• Viewing gambling as a profitable long-term venture

An Ever-Increasing Problem

Those problems aren’t Super Bowl exclusive and won’t disappear after the big game.

NCPG expects the number of gambling problems to grow with each passing year, which is to be expected as the sheer volume of sports bettors increases with new markets continuing to open.

Of course, gambling can also be conducted safely and responsibly.

When players place wagers responsibly, it can enhance their gameday experience in numerous ways. Governments can also come out ahead, getting their cut through tax revenues to create a very desirable win-win situation for all involved parties and making a sustainable industry rather than engaging in a short-term cash-grab.

Because of this, it is in all parties’ best interests to engage in the discussions and invest in resources to promote safe gambling everywhere wagers can be made. Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, also added with regards to betting on this weekend’s game: “We want everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl, but we also want people to recognize the challenges that come with the rapid expansion of sports betting.”

NCPG Cautions Care, Not Speed in Legislation

Many state governments are dealing with decreased revenue primarily due to the repercussions of COVID-19 last year. As such, they are looking to legalized sports betting as a way to bridge that gap and generate tax revenue.

Just because such a trend has led to steady growth throughout the sports betting industry, that does not mean the proposition is one-sided. There are also potential downsides to gambling that governments ignore at their own peril, especially regarding addiction. Thus, legalizing sports betting puts the responsibility on all involved parties – stakeholders, lawmakers, regulators, vendors, and anyone profiting from the activity – to ensure it is done safely.

NCPG knows this, too. The pandemic has placed new financial, mental, and emotional strain on many individuals and families and puts even more risk on people prone to gambling problems. To do their part, NCPG is taking an active approach to work with the public and private sector to make resources and information widely available to the public, both for responsible gambling practices and treatment options for those who are negatively impacted.

Help Is Available Through the NCPG

NCPG provides free, confidential help 24/7 through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at www.ncpgambling.org/chat or through call/text at 1-800-522-4700. The organization is a nonprofit organization focused on issues related to gambling addiction. It is neutral on legalized gambling itself, instead urging people to take action if gambling becomes a problem in their lives or the life of a loved one.