Responding to Gambling’s Latest Growth Spurt.
In May of 2018, the Supreme Court struck down a federal law that prohibited gambling on individual sporting events. Almost immediately, 30 states rushed to take advantage of what’s projected to become a new billion-dollar industry.
At a time when problem gambling is on the rise – this development poses a significant challenge to our mission of promoting responsible gambling practices. But a response is in the works, both nationwide and right here in Ohio.
Across the Country
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has just announced the Safer Sports Betting Initiative, which:
- Demands that every sports betting bill includes the five items of our Responsible Gaming Principles for Sports Gambling Legislation.
- Dedicates 1% of sports betting revenue to problem gambling programs.
Right Here at Home
In response to placeholder bills (HB 714 and SB316), the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) advocates for any expansion of gambling to have sound consumer protections, which at a minimum should include:
- A minimum legal age of 21.
- Limit betting to professional, U.S. sports.
- A state managed voluntary exclusion program
- Promotion of the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
- Directed funds of at least 2% to revenue for problem gambling prevention and treatment services.
At Get Set Before You Bet, we’re proud to support these efforts in response to one of the largest expansions of gambling in our nation’s history.