The surge in sports betting in the United States has led to an increase in problematic gambling behavior, as well as concerns about addiction and athlete betting scandals. In response, seven of the largest U.S. sportsbooks have formed a trade group called the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) to promote responsible gambling and share best practices.
According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wagered nearly $120 billion on sports in 2023, marking a 28% increase from the previous year. This surge has also contributed to increased fan engagement, as highlighted by Kenneth Shropshire, an expert in the sports business at Wharton. Shropshire notes that people are more invested in watching games until the end to secure their bets, which has become a significant factor in driving viewership.
Despite these positive effects on fan engagement, there remain concerns about irresponsible gambling and athlete betting scandals. Shropshire emphasizes the importance for leagues and sportsbooks to address these issues to maintain the integrity of sports. The formation of ROGA is a step towards building consumer confidence and promoting responsible gambling practices among U.S. sportsbooks.
Economist Victor Matheson from the College of the Holy Cross points out that while ROGA aims to promote responsible gambling, its primary goal is still to maximize revenue by encouraging increased betting activity. He suggests that these companies may be implementing internal regulations to mitigate potential future government regulations or legal challenges related to problematic gambling behaviors.
Marketplace continues to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of events that impact people’s lives around the world. To sustain this independent journalism, financial support from readers is crucial. By donating just $5 per month, you can help ensure that Marketplace remains a trusted source of news on topics that matter to you most importantly!
+ There are no comments
Add yours