DeWine Shares Impact of Problem Gambling
DeWine cited several negative impacts of sports betting, including fueling the growth of problem gambling. He pointed out younger men as one of the industry's biggest victims.
“It’s a huge problem among young males up to 45. It’s a huge problem,” DeWine said during the interview with cleveland.com. “And we have many of them addicted, many of them spending money that they do not have.”
The age group DeWine highlights includes many men with families, including younger kids. Those families are being torn apart by problem gambling, spreading this growing mental health crisis at neck-breaking speed.
Ohio Governor Links Problem Gambling to Ad
While Ohio has strict regulations on sportsbook advertising, DeWine believes they aren’t enough. While operators are adhering to the rules, they are also reaching marketing deals with pro sports teams in the state. That allows them to place their logos on in-game ads and on commercials during the break.
These partnerships have led to sports betting being constantly promoted as fans watch their favorite teams. Sportsbooks promote bonus offers and the thrill of big wins, making it a tempting proposition. That can be too much for those struggling with gambling addiction to resist, leading to relapse.
Player Props Remain a Danger
While DeWine spent significant time on problem gambling, he followed that by discussing the integrity of US sports.
Betting scandals are becoming far more common, and one of the most shocking involved a pair of star pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians. The players were charged with spot-fixing single-pitch wagers. It involved controversial micro-betting, which is player prop bets focused on a single moment or play in a game.
After the charges were announced, DeWine immediately began campaigning to crack down on player prop betting. It led to micro-betting being banned, but the Governor fears that may not be enough to ensure that the games they watch and wager on are fair. As a result, he continues to push for stricter regulations or even a full ban on player prop betting.