Arizona, New Hampshire Take Steps to Curb Problem Gambling

Two US markets on opposite ends of the country are stepping up their fight against problem gambling.

Over the last week, Arizona and New Hampshire have both announced new initiatives to promote responsible gambling. The former launched a new educational tool, while the latter added a new council to support the effort. 

The moves come as the emergence of sports prediction markets adds fuel to the problem gambling fire that sports betting was still trying to put out. That’s led to fears that a public health crisis is spreading across the US, leading several states to step up their efforts to support responsible gambling.

Arizona Launches RG Training

Arizona recently announced one of the most intriguing responsible gaming programs we have seen. It involves a free online training program that is open to anyone in the state. It will teach best practices for gambling, identify warning signs of addiction, and provide other crucial information.

The program would help many bettors get a crash course in developing a gambling strategy. This is something no one learns in school or from their parents, meaning they are betting without fully understanding the ins and outs of gambling. A simple training can help provide that, and lead new bettors to learn painful lessons.

The training can also be a crucial tool for those worried that a loved one may be struggling with gambling.

New Hampshire Council Goes Live

Across the country, New Hampshire also took a major swing at problem gambling. It launched the New Hampshire Council for Responsible Gaming (NHCRG), which will promote responsible gaming practices and offer resources for those struggling with problem gambling. 

According to newly appointed NHCRG board member Lou D’Allesandro, who told the Concord Monitor that the Council is long overdue. 

When you have gaming and an expansion of gaming at this level, you would invite problems, and the problems are addiction. You’ve got to have something in place to deal with this, and the Council for Responsible Gambling is going to create that.

More States Taking Action on Problem Gambling

When sports betting began to take off in the US, many didn’t appreciate the toll it would take on public health. This led to less money for responsible gaming and fewer regulations for sportsbooks. It resulted in a massive windfall of cash for states and operators, but also left many dealing with gambling addiction on their own.

With sports prediction markets remaining largely unconcerned about problem gambling, many states have been scrambling to take action. Some states are considering massive crackdowns on their legal markets, while others seek to increase funding for responsible gaming resources. While many of those efforts may fail, they show a serious shift in how lawmakers view problem gambling.