Massachusetts and NCAA spearhead new initiative to fight problem gambling

Massachusetts will lead a new initiative that is designed to raise awareness about problem gambling among young people and help address the problem in the Bay State head-on. As the popularity of sports betting has been growing steadily, and not least in Massachusetts, the need to address the issue has grown as well.

NCAA President Charlie Baker, who previously served as the governor of the Bay State, is one of the officials to lead the charge against problem gambling and a campaigner for more measures to ensure that young people are protected.

He is joined by other officials, such as Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell who is similarly convinced that the Bay State ought to do more in the context of rapid legalization and expansion, and young people becoming increasingly influenced by the activity.

The Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition revealed last week is designed to bring together sports bodies and sports teams with the ultimate goal of protecting young people, with Campbell arguing that people as young as 12-20 may be influenced by gambling. In the meantime, gambling remains illegal for individuals who are younger than the age of 21.

This is particularly important now that the NCAA’s own research indicates that more than half of 18-22-year-olds are actually engaging in gambling and betting on at least one sport, which means that underage individuals are gambling, and that vulnerable groups are exposed to gambling.

The NCAA has continuously sought alliances that help it address the growing worry about problem gambling in the Bay State and well beyond. The organization similarly launched the "Draw the Line" campaign just recently which is also designed to boost awareness for problem gambling.

In the meantime, the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition enjoys the broad support of backers, including the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution, the Boson Bruins, and the Boston Celtics, all of which are now committed to popularizing responsible play among their fans.

This initiative is coming amidst debates in the country on whether there should be tougher federal measures on gambling in general. One idea is to raise additional taxes on gambling companies to pay for problem gambling research, prevention, and treatment.

Another idea that may appear outlandish is to have tougher federal laws on gambling advertisements. All of these are valid points, but as sluggish federal legislation shifts its weight, states have taken the battle locally.

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