Casinos See Increase in Mobile Betting, First-Time Gamblers

Casinos,

Casinos in Arkansas took in more money from July to September this year, according to an article in Sunday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

The article analyzed revenue data from Oaklawn Casino in Hot Springs, Southland Casino in West Memphis, and Saracen Casino in Pine Bluff.

All told, the casinos took in more money during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

However, the article indicates that casinos saw an increase in mobile gambling and first-time gamblers this summer, noting,

Robert W. Powell III, a lecturer and instructor of hospitality management at the School of Human Environmental Sciences in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, . . . said the state’s casinos saw increases in mobile betting and those gains didn’t seem to negatively affect other betting options, which is a positive sign. Powell said anecdotally he saw more first-time players in the state’s casinos during the quarter, noting attempts to lure younger players seem to be working well across the board.

All told, people gambled more than $2 billion at casinos in Arkansas from July to September. That is a staggering figure.

In spite of the millions upon millions of dollars that casinos make, casino tax revenue has not improved Arkansas’ roads or boosted the economy.

A while gambling has increased in the state, the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council has also seen an increase in calls for help with problem gambling this year.

Unless Arkansas’ lawmakers and its people take a stand, gambling and gambling-addiction are simply going to continue wrecking lives and hurting families across the state.

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

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Marijuana Legalization Increases Use Among Youth: New Study

Marijuana

Research published this month shows marijuana legalization is tied to increased use among youth.

The study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry examined how state laws legalizing marijuana affect young people.

Researchers found recreational marijuana laws are linked to a 13% increase in marijuana use among youth. The article also notes that recent studies show a growing trend of marijuana use among youth in states where recreational marijuana is legal.

The findings are troubling, given how research increasingly shows marijuana is harmful to children, teens, and young adults.

Nationwide, since 2019, the number of kids diagnosed with cannabis-induced mental disorders — including schizophrenia and psychotic episodes — has increased by 50%.

And research has shown time and again that marijuana has a significant potential for dependence and abuse.

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.

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