Three years after mobile sports betting became legal in New York, concerns about gambling addiction are rising, though treatment resources remain underused. Clinicians say social stigma prevents people from seeking help, despite the growing accessibility of gambling through apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Experts warn that mobile betting has blurred the lines for younger gamblers, who may distinguish sports betting from traditional gambling. The digital nature of these platforms has normalized gambling and made it harder to detect addiction until it reaches a crisis point. Many problem gamblers don’t seek treatment until they are in severe debt or financial distress.
Advocates are calling for better public education and stricter regulations on gambling ads. While New York offers robust treatment options, experts argue outreach is critical to reduce stigma and help more people recognize the risks of mobile gambling.
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