Beau Fighera
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
With sports gambling legalized in many states, the reception of its effects has been quite polarizing.
Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that lifted the federal ban on sports gambling, sports betting has been legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, including Maryland. This has resulted in the sports betting industry growing at a rapid rate, with many professional sports consumers now intently watching for financial reasons, hoping that their bets will hit or result in a win. As for those still not involved in sports betting, the market is still fresh, and looking for their business if they decide to join.
Ryan Sartori, lead promotions coordinator at Caesars Sportsbook, said, “TV commercials are more popular for betting than ever… There’s a lot of competition and incentive for each sportsbook to up their offers and promote and advertise to potential users.”
While the lifting of the federal ban and legalization has made way for an advertising influx, helping sportsbooks profit from the growth of the industry, many individuals are struggling with gambling debts.
At one Gambler’s Anonymous meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, some citizens have come to terms with the fact that sports betting will always be on their faces, and while some feel they might not be able to quit gambling, they know their bets must be cautious in quantity.
“The money is on my mind, but I refuse to let my impulses control me,” says one man at a Baltimore Gambler’s Anonymous meeting. “Understand what you’re doing, understand the money, understand that you can’t get it back when you use it… if you gotta do it, gamble responsibly. Think of your family.”
With the sports betting business thriving, sportsbooks can’t afford to take their foot off the gas for the health of irresponsible gamblers, as the competition will lure gamblers to another sportsbook. However, sportsbooks still incorporate methods to help control gamblers’ habits, as the legalization has made these assets more accessible.
“They certainly provide more resources for gambling addiction, and they also became more readily available being that it’s a legal industry now,” Sartori said. “There’s also limits placed on certain customers if they’ve shown risky betting behaviors.”
The money explosion that is the sports gambling business will be on close watch, but with many making life-changing money, it’ll be interesting to see how the industry evolves.