Research Shows Growth of Sports Betting Linked to Bankruptcy, Financial Problems
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.
New Study Will Focus on “Medical” Marijuana’s Risks
An upcoming study by researchers at Rutgers Health in New Jersey will investigate physical and mental health risks associated with “medical” marijuana.
In a press release issued Tuesday, Rutgers Health said,
The goal of the five-year study, which is funded with a $686,376 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is to study the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, as well as side effects and possible harms to health. Researchers will examine risk for cannabis use disorder, or CUD, a complex condition involving a problematic pattern of cannabis use. Previous research indicates that after using medical cannabis for three months, nearly 20% of people will develop CUD, including increased tolerance and dependence.
Rutgers Health also notes that there are a range symptoms associated with cannabis use disorder — including paranoia and memory loss as well as physical tolerance and dependence on marijuana.
Research increasingly shows marijuana is harmful to children, teens, and young adults.
Nationwide, marijuana products such as gummies, candies, and other edibles containing THC are sending kids to the emergency room.
Regular marijuana use is linked to a higher risks of certain cancers, birth defects, heart attack, and stroke.
Voters in Arkansas and other states have faced pressure to expand “medical” marijuana or legalize marijuana completely. However, as we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.