Are Sports Betting Ads “All In” on Addiction?

Gambling,
Above: A screenshot of a sports betting ad about wagering on a “surprising hunch.” Source: YouTube. Used in accordance with Fair Use.

Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people, on average, wager more than a million dollars on sports every day.

As states have legalized sports betting, some gambling companies have actually produced advertisements that seem to promote compulsive gambling and other problem-gambling behavior.

For example, last year FanDuel released one commercial that showed people so focused on sports betting that they ignored everyone else around them.

Another ad promoted taking advantage of every opportunity to gamble.

This year, FanDuel has aired commercials encouraging people to gamble on “surprising” hunches — including powerful hunches that strike between football plays.

The ads may seem silly, but gamblers who ignore loved ones, wager nonstop, or place bets “on a hunch” quite possibly suffer from a gambling problem.

So why would a sports book showcase this type of behavior in its advertising?

As sports betting has become easier, millions of people are now in danger of being harmed by it.

Studies indicate people who gamble on sports may be twice as likely to suffer from gambling problems.

Young men are particularly hurt by sports gambling. Twenty-year-old males account for approximately 40% of calls to gambling addiction hotlines, and upwards of 20 million men are in debt or have been in debt as a result of sports betting.

And research now shows that the legalization of sports betting may be linked to serious financial problems in America — such as credit card debt, overdrafts, late payments on loans, lower credit scores, and higher bankruptcy rates.

Last year the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council reported an increase in calls for help with problem gambling largely driven by sports betting.

Sports betting is out of control and ruining lives. Tax revenue from casinos and sports betting has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy. As powerful corporations try to make gambling part of everyday life, it’s important for Arkansas to protect citizens and families from predatory gambling. Otherwise gambling addiction will simply continue wrecking lives and hurting families in our state.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Research Shows Growth of Sports Betting Linked to Bankruptcy, Financial Problems

Gambling,

Research shows that the legalization of sports betting may be linked to serious financial problems in America.

Nationwide, sports betting is now legal in 39 states — including Arkansas, where people, on average, wager more than a million dollars on sports every day.

In August researchers out of California released a paper that showed access to legal online sports betting was tied to lower credit scores and higher bankruptcy rates. The study based these findings on credit bureau data from more than 4 million Americans. Researchers estimated that legalized sports betting is responsible for 30,000 additional bankruptcies and $8 billion in debt collections every year.

A second paper released this year found that legalized sports betting increased credit card debt, overdrafts, and late payments on loans — especially among financially vulnerable families.

These financial problems affect families — and sometimes even whole communities. This research shows that families who can least afford it often are hurt the most by sports betting.

Legalized gambling has become a blight in Arkansas. Tax revenue from casinos and sports betting has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy. And unless Arkansas’ lawmakers and its people take a stand, gambling addiction is simply going to continue wrecking lives and hurting families in our state.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Jacksonville Police Bust Three Illegal Gambling Operations

Gambling

Jacksonville Police reportedly busted three illegal gambling operations.

In a statement issued Monday, the police department said,

On December 9th, 2024, the Jacksonville Police Department executed two search warrants on two local businesses for gaming machine violations, and charged a third owner of another business for related gaming violations. Officers seized over $13,000.00, drugs, and firearms.

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MAX’S CONVENIENCE STORE / PHILLIPS 66

713 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized $9,288.23 in cash along with other evidence related to gaming violations. The owner, Venkata Melapu, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

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JACKSONVILLE STOP AND SHOP

1116 SOUTH FIRST STREET, JACKSONVILLE, AR 72076

Detectives seized 3 gaming devices, $4,098.14 in cash, 2 firearms, and approximately 2 ounces of marijuana from the business. The owner, Ahmed Ali, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms

• 1 Felony count of Use of Another Person’s Property to Facilitate Certain Crimes

• 1 Felony count of Possession with Purpose to Deliver, Schedule VI

• 1 Felony count of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

• Penalty enhancement for Proximity of a Certain Facility within 1000 feet of a Church or Daycare

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AJ MART – 2 LOCATIONS

1521 SOUTH FIRST STREET AND 3701 NORTH FIRST STREET

Detectives obtained search warrants for both locations, however, during their investigation they determined that the gaming machines had been moved prior to execution of the search warrants. Jagjit Singh, the owner of the business, was arrested and charged with:

• 1 Felony count of Keeping a Gaming House

• 1 Misdemeanor count of Keeping a Gaming Device

With the exception of the state lottery and the casinos in Hot Springs, West Memphis, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas law generally prohibits gambling.

This isn’t the first time illegal gambling machines have cropped up in Arkansas.

In 2017 authorities in Jefferson County reportedly raided illegal gambling houses in Pine Bluff.

In 2019, law enforcement raided illegal gambling operations at several gas stations and businesses in Jacksonville.

Illegal gambling machines often are placed in gas stations, liquor stores, or old store fronts. Some look and operate a lot like slot machines while others appear more like arcade games that let players gamble for money or prizes.

Gambling is a blight on the community. It is linked to bankruptcy, divorce, substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide.

If you suspect an illegal gambling house is operating in your community, please notify your local authorities. Then call us at (501) 375-7000.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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