How Gambling Problems Are Solved In the Different US States
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Even though gambling has been legal in several states for almost a century, there are still certain risks associated with online and land-based casinos in US states
Besides, depending on the state where you live and gamble, the rules will also be different. However, what doesn’t change, is the need to seek help in case you feel as if gambling is becoming a problem for you. That is why today, we will be focusing on how to spot gambling addiction, seek help, and do so in different American states.
How To Spot Gambling Problem
Gambling can create problems with family and friends, make it hard to pay rent or bills on time, lead to more debt, and make it difficult for you to maintain regular routines in other areas of your life. So here are some signs to consider:
- When a person gambles much time, there is little time for family and friends. Time management is crucial in gambling.
- When people bet more significant amounts more often, they want to experience the same level of excitement that they did the first time they placed the bet.
- When someone has betting debts, they may start borrowing money from family and friends, becoming defensive about their finances.
- Putting all your hope in a massive win at the betting table could solve your financial problems. It won’t.
- Those with a gaming problem can’t promise to gamble less; they can’t stop betting.
- People can go away for long periods or make more phone calls than usual.
- When someone can’t gamble, they can go through big waves of emotions.
Solving iGaming Issues
After lottery officials in New York and Illinois asked the Department of Justice for advice regarding online betting, the DOJ stated that they thought the Wire Act only related to betting on sports and that states could then legalize and regulate online gambling games. Thus, we encourage you to seek help through self-excluded lists, phone hotlines, and forums.
GAB typically sponsors the former. The Games and Amusements Board works to shut down illegal betting joint operations and other illegal gaming activities. Some states have since legalized, taxed, and regulated casino and poker games online thanks to the DOJ’s interpretation of their original request to include all forms of online gambling, not just sports betting.
Official resources of help and licensing include:
- Connecticut: Connecticut Gaming Commission
- Delaware: The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
- Michigan: Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Nevada: Nevada Gaming Commission
- New Jersey: Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Gambling in New Jersey
Although Nevada is considered the number-one state for betting in America, New Jersey takes the lead regarding land-based venues and any official online casino NJ on the East Coast. No other state has more sports betting sites, online casinos, or land-based venues than New Jersey. The biggest New Jersey online casinos are based on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, while public horse racing tracks can be found outside Atlantic City. Along with its state lottery, New Jersey also allows charity gaming and betting activities at any NJ online casino. Finally, the Division of Gaming Enforcement licenses official New Jersey casinos and offers help with addiction, if required.
Gambling in Michigan
In 1996, Michigan passed the Gaming and Control Act, which opened casinos on land that was not Native American reservation. Twenty years earlier, in 1982, Michigan established a lottery with the Lottery Act.
After a long period of maintaining the status quo, in 2002, a retail Michigan online casino was allowed to open. House Bill No. 4916 was signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in December of 2019, acting for Michigan online casinos and their legalization. The law made sports betting legal in Michigan, joining other online casinos in Michigan that were passed in the state several years ago. Laws protect consumers and allow betting on sports events in 2019 through a MI online casino.
IGaming in Nevada
Gambling has been legal in Nevada for almost a century now. This applies to both land-based and online casinos. The Nevada Gaming Control Board mainly regulates it under wagering law. It was also one of the first states that officially legalized all different gambling variations. Naturally, Las Vegas gains its revenues and reputation from casinos.
Online Casino in Pennsylvania
Online and real-life gambling is legal in Pennsylvania. It is regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, similar to Nevada that we have already discussed (it also remains the primary source of help if needed). The rules don’t apply to specific individuals, yet they cover official and illegal websites checked by the government. Surprisingly enough, Pennsylvania legalized all sorts of casinos only several years ago, in 2017 to be exact.
We actively encourage you to seek help in case you are experiencing issues with gambling or your mental health. Even though there is no unified way to eliminate the addiction, there are quite a few universal options that work in every single state and country.
- Self-excluded lists: At casinos, people can opt out of gambling. If they do, the casino has to deny them access as well as provide other possible help, like redirecting them to support groups.
- Support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous are both peer support groups and are helpful for those trying to get clean. GAs is for people with gambling addiction, and AA is for alcoholics. A former gambler can be a great sponsor for someone in GA because they have been through the struggle themselves.
- Mental health importance: If you are having problems with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or money issues, you should seek help when gambling. Gambling can make these issues worse, and it is vital to get assistance if they are present before you stop gambling.
- Gambling addiction forum: Talking to people who understand will give you a valuable perspective on the matter. Besides, you don’t have to reveal your identity or give out any personal information.
