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Most states with legal sports betting are failing to meet half of the responsible gambling standards proposed by the National Council on Problem Gambling, according to a report.
And as national Responsible Gambling Education month draws to a close, the highest achievers in reaching the Internet Responsible Gambling Standards benchmarks – Connecticut, New Jersey and Virginia – met just 49 of 82. The findings were released in a report prepared by Vixio Regulatory Intelligence.
According to “U.S States’ Online Sports Betting Regulations: An Evaluation Against National Council on Problem Gambling Standards,” states met, on average, 32 of the targets.
“The IRGS serves as a roadmap for states to utilize when developing sports betting regulations, ensuring that player protection remains the top priority,” NCPG executive director Keith Whyte said in a release. “This report reflects the patchwork nature of existing regulations and the significant gaps in consumer protections. We urge legislators and regulators to take immediate steps to close these gaps and work to mitigate gambling-related harm.”
What Responsible Gambling Study Analyzed
The report considered myriad topics, from governance and policy to gambling addiction research education and treatment strategies.
A detailed analysis is provided for each jurisdiction.
How states fared:
- 40 or more standards reached: Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
- 25-39: Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, and Vermont.
- 10-24: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Nevada, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The report analyzed 31 of 40 US jurisdictions with legal sports betting. It excluded Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
According to a NCPG release, the IRGS – which was updated in 2023 – “reflects best practices in responsible gambling, emphasizing safeguards for individuals who may be vulnerable to developing gambling problems.”
AGA Report Details Industry RG Efforts
A report released by the American Gaming Association trade group asserts that the industry itself is increasing its responsibility efforts.
According to the study, gambling industry companies spent $471.8 million on responsible gambling efforts last year, up 72% from $275 million in 2017.
