Matt Dominique | September 8, 2024
The sports betting has seen some major shifts in recent years. Just 6 or 7 years ago sports betting was relegated to offshore and Las Vegas only and you had to speak with hushed tones when discussing the topic near the water cooler. Now, sports betting is offered locally in 38 states and offshore in 48 states and people proudly discuss their favorite picks and parlays wherever they may be.
This rapid growth and acceptance of sports betting has seen the activity grow at a record pace. The American Gaming Association has issued an official prediction that in-state “onshore” sportsbooks will handle more than $35Billion dollars in wagers this NFL season. This is a 30% increase over last year’s estimate of $27B.
The AMA also went on to stress the importance of responsible gaming. While it is estimated that of all the “vices” which exist, gambling is the lowest at 3-4% of the population, sports gamblers make up a minority of those people. Most compulsive gamblers are habitual lottery, casino or slot players.
Tips to Help Yourself Gamble Responsibly
- Set a budget (bankroll) – If you exceed this amount then you must stop or take a break.
- Take a break – Even if you are winning it sometimes helps to take a break, skip a weekend and clear your head.
- Keep it fun and low stakes. Unless you consider yourself a professional sports bettor, it is a good idea to have fun with it and not wager an amount that will hurt your financial situation.
