Problem Gambling Concerns Addressed as North Carolina Legal Sports Betting Creeps Closer

The countdown to the launch of our best sportsbooks in North Carolina is on. So too is the concern that the new shiny toy that sports bettors in the state will have starting March 11 will lead to some heartache down the road in the form of problem gambling.

The good news is that lawmakers and regulators of the impending North Carolina sports betting launch seem ready with programs and resources for those who may struggle with a gambling addiction going forward.

According to a representative from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), everything should be ready for the launch of North Carolina sports betting apps on March 11.

“In preparation for the launch of sports betting, we have refocused our prevention programs and our education program for treatment providers has focused heavily on sports betting,” the rep said. “Our goal remains that anyone who wants or needs help has access to quality and consistent care and services.”

The issue at hand

Problem gambling is a recognized problem with the legal betting expansion being experienced in the robust U.S. legal sports betting scene. The problems have forced an increased focus on providing resources for those afflicted with a gambling addiction and families who may be living with someone that has had troubles regulating their gambling habits.

“Even before the sports apps are even hitting North Carolina, the statistics are showing about 6% or six out of 100 people are struggling with gambling,” said Art Klose, a licensed clinical gambling specialist. “We have worked with people in the past that have lost homes, lost families, lost cars, people that have been hit with huge tax implications after the fact because of losses or gains.”

To become part of the much-anticipated Tar Heel State market, North Carolina sportsbook promos were mandated to have a strong plan to combat problem gambling in the state.

What is being offered?

As mentioned, North Carolina sports betting sites were forced to meet strict guidelines regarding their focus on problem gambling initiatives. A sportsbook license in North Carolina hinged on sportsbooks having a plan.

Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services seem satisfied with what is being offered for those that may suffer from a gambling addiction in the future. 

According to a spokesperson from the Department, “The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program offers services to help individuals maintain a healthy relationship with gambling or abstain completely. Those services include counseling and peer support. People can call the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 877-718-5543 to learn more. Currently, we are working with our contacts to ensure our providers and the helpline can handle an increase in calls.” 

College students get increased focus

As a state with numerous colleges, universities, and iconic sports teams representing them, there has been an extra focus to support college-age students from problem gambling issues.

An NCDHHS rep. said of the increased scrutiny on student gambling, “We also started a partnership with EPIC Risk Management, an NCAA funded organization, to provide prevention education on college campuses to athletes and students about the risks associated with sports betting.” 

EPIC Risk Management has certainly made its presence felt in terms of the nationwide responsible gambling push. Athletes in North Carolina and coaches for the state's numerous programs were visited directly by representatives of EPIC to prepare them for what exactly the launch will mean for them personally and for their respective programs.

EPIC Vice President of Partnerships Teresa Fiore said of her company's responsible gambling focus that, “With the sports wagering landscape in the US constantly evolving, it’s vital that we help student-athletes and staff to make informed decisions around their relationship with gambling and also recognize signs of gambling-related harm in others where possible.”