HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Experts warned that young men are especially vulnerable to gambling addiction as sports betting becomes more accessible.
Connecticut is among 38 states that have legalized recreational wagering, which allows people to bet anywhere with a cell phone.
The World Health Organization reported that nearly 2 percent of Americans suffer from gambling addiction, with the large majority of victims being young men.
Nearly half of men between the ages of 18 and 49 have at least one online sports book account, according to data cited by experts.
Hartford HealthCare psychiatrist Dr. Andre Newfield said it is difficult to understand the scope of the problem because by the time people seek help, they have often already dealt with disastrous consequences.
“It’s so accessible that it’s hard to know because people set up these accounts and until it’s a major problem it’s just kind of brewing in the background,” Newfield said.
Leaders and experts in Connecticut are demanding change.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal planned to hold a rally at 11 a.m. at the state Capitol about the betting scandal and push for new legislation that he said would regulate sports gambling and protect the public.
The rally was planned as the sports betting industry faced increased scrutiny over its impact on vulnerable populations, particularly young men who experts said are at highest risk for developing gambling addictions.
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