Summary
The article discusses efforts by states like Massachusetts to address problem gambling as sports betting becomes more widespread. It describes programs like GameSense that aim to encourage responsible gambling through education and spending limits. With no national gambling policy in the U.S., each state is dealing with the issue on its own.
Key Facts
- Massachusetts has a program called GameSense to promote responsible gambling.
- GameSense offers tools like spending limits and a self-exclusion list for gamblers.
- Sports betting has grown significantly since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 decision allowing states to legalize it.
- Massachusetts prohibits betting on local college teams and using credit cards for gambling.
- Unlike the U.S., countries like Norway have stricter state control over gambling.
- A surtax on gambling profits funds Massachusetts' responsible gaming efforts.
- The U.S. lacks a national gambling policy, so each state makes its own rules.
- 39 states in the U.S. now allow sports betting in some form.
