NPR Report on Problem Gambling Identifies Gaps in Support Resources

NPR recently published a report highlighting the limited assistance available for individuals struggling with sports betting addiction. According to the article, written by Katia Riddle, a correspondent for NPR covering mental health issues, “March Madness is a season for betting, but help for problem gambling is hard to find.” This claim comes during one of the busiest seasons for sportsbooks, raising questions about the resources dedicated to problem gamblers.

While every state where sports betting is legal mandates sportsbook operators to promote responsible gaming messages and provide information on available help, Riddle and several mental health experts argue that these measures are insufficient. They assert that federal funding is necessary to adequately support problem sports bettors. Riddle notes that “national advocates warn treatment is underfunded, especially compared to the billions of dollars of investment that the federal government puts into resources for addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.” Cait Huble, a spokesperson for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), echoes these sentiments, stating, “There’s no federal funding for gambling addiction. It is several decades behind it in terms of public opinion and recognition of it as a mental health condition.”

In the context of the broader media landscape, NPR has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers following comments from its President, Katherine Maher, who acknowledged past coverage mistakes, including the network’s dismissal of the Hunter Biden laptop controversy as a “non-story.” As Congress considers potential funding cuts to NPR and PBS, Maher defended the organization, asserting, “I do not believe we are politically biased. We are a non-biased organization.” However, many Republicans dispute this claim.

In their report, NPR seemed to suggest that the gaming industry operates on a business model predicated on addiction, with Les Bernal from the advocacy group Stop Predatory Gambling stating, “There’s no revenue without the addicted gambler.” In response, the American Gaming Association (AGA) emphasizes the contributions of the legal, regulated commercial and tribal gaming industries to problem gambling services, estimating around $130 million annually for prevention and treatment initiatives. Additionally, approximately $100 million in casino gaming taxes is allocated each year for these purposes.

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The AGA is also actively working to promote responsible sports betting through its initiative “Have A Game Plan,” launched in 2019. This program aims to educate fans by convening various stakeholders in the industry, including leagues, teams, media, and sportsbooks. The public service campaign encourages bettors to set budgets, keep their betting social and enjoyable, understand the odds, and engage only with legal sportsbooks.

For individuals who struggle to adhere to responsible gambling practices, the AGA recommends the National Problem Gambling Helpline, which can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER. This helpline connects callers with their state resource agency, providing access to counselors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. NPR March Madness