Men’s Gambling Addiction: How to Support a Friend (And Recognize the Signs)
Date: 2023-09-16 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: CASINO
In November 2022, the British National Health Service revealed a startling 42% surge in referrals related to gambling addiction. This alarming increase in the issue isn't surprising, given the ease of access to 24-hour casinos on our smartphones. In an era dominated by smartphone addiction, it can be challenging to differentiate between spending hours on Instagram and gambling apps. It all boils down to the allure of bright lights, levers, and rewards – dopamine rushes that often consume our time and, in some cases, drain our finances, potentially leading to life-altering consequences.
This problem is not confined to the UK; it's a global epidemic. The United States has witnessed a relaxation of betting regulations, with casinos becoming legal in around 20 states, compared to just nine in 2001. In January 2022, the legalization of mobile sports gambling in New York led to an astounding $1.6 billion in user spending. Meanwhile, in Australia, Sportsbet spent an additional $19 million on marketing in the first half of the year to counter an impending government crackdown.
The rapid spread of gambling seems to be connected to a broader issue among men. The appeal of cryptocurrency trading and the influence of figures like Mr. Andrew Tate have fueled the notion that wealth is the path to happiness and that it can be attained by exploiting "cheat codes." Last year, The Times highlighted a crisis involving young men with gambling issues, painting a picture of the NHS crowded with "young men in football shirts" who succumbed to advertising and the addictive allure of in-play betting.
This issue gained mainstream attention in May when Brentford striker Mr. Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban for betting on Premier League games. His sentence was reduced after he was diagnosed with an addiction. While he wasn't the first footballer to face consequences for gambling, his case struck a chord. Premier League clubs have since agreed to remove gambling sponsors from the front of their shirts. Furthermore, four months ago, the UK government published a white paper titled "High Stakes: Gambling Reform in the Digital Age," outlining plans for industry levies, enhanced checks on problem gamblers, and stricter online betting limits.
Change is undoubtedly on the horizon, but the problem persists. So, what can you do to help? We sat down with Ms. Zoe Osmond, the CEO of GambleAware, and Teddy, a recovering gambling addict and member of Gambling Anonymous, to learn how to spot the signs of addiction in a loved one and how to address it effectively.
This problem is not confined to the UK; it's a global epidemic. The United States has witnessed a relaxation of betting regulations, with casinos becoming legal in around 20 states, compared to just nine in 2001. In January 2022, the legalization of mobile sports gambling in New York led to an astounding $1.6 billion in user spending. Meanwhile, in Australia, Sportsbet spent an additional $19 million on marketing in the first half of the year to counter an impending government crackdown.
The rapid spread of gambling seems to be connected to a broader issue among men. The appeal of cryptocurrency trading and the influence of figures like Mr. Andrew Tate have fueled the notion that wealth is the path to happiness and that it can be attained by exploiting "cheat codes." Last year, The Times highlighted a crisis involving young men with gambling issues, painting a picture of the NHS crowded with "young men in football shirts" who succumbed to advertising and the addictive allure of in-play betting.
This issue gained mainstream attention in May when Brentford striker Mr. Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban for betting on Premier League games. His sentence was reduced after he was diagnosed with an addiction. While he wasn't the first footballer to face consequences for gambling, his case struck a chord. Premier League clubs have since agreed to remove gambling sponsors from the front of their shirts. Furthermore, four months ago, the UK government published a white paper titled "High Stakes: Gambling Reform in the Digital Age," outlining plans for industry levies, enhanced checks on problem gamblers, and stricter online betting limits.
Change is undoubtedly on the horizon, but the problem persists. So, what can you do to help? We sat down with Ms. Zoe Osmond, the CEO of GambleAware, and Teddy, a recovering gambling addict and member of Gambling Anonymous, to learn how to spot the signs of addiction in a loved one and how to address it effectively.
