Andrew Yang Calls for Stronger Regulations in Sports Betting to Protect Young Men

Former New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang has raised concerns about the impact of sports betting in the United States. Through an opinion piece in Newsweek, the entrepreneur and political figure outlined why he believes the current sports gambling landscape requires stricter regulations and better safeguards.

The Rising Problem of Sports Betting Without Proper Oversight

Yang argues that the rapid growth of sports betting, both regulated and unregulated, has not been met with sufficient protective measures. He shared a personal anecdote about receiving a $250 promotion from an unregulated sportsbook, which initially hooked him into gambling. This, he suggests, highlights how gambling companies use aggressive tactics to attract and retain players, leveraging their emotions to build dependency.

Betting on sports online is a perfect storm for men

“Betting on sports online is a perfect storm for men,” Yang stated. He explained that the activity appeals to fundamental interests, combining sports, money, risk, and the allure of outsmarting others. The social aspect of sports betting also reinforces its appeal, turning what might be casual sports interest into an intense, profit-driven activity.

The Broader Impact of Gambling Disorder

Yang’s concerns echo the findings of respected institutions like the Lancet Public Health Commission and the World Health Organization, which have identified gambling disorder as a significant issue with tangible negative consequences. According to Yang, the financial strain caused by gambling can be devastating. He cited research from Brigham Young University, Northwestern University, and the University of Kansas that found every dollar spent on gambling represents $2 not invested in more productive avenues like savings or retirement funds.

Other studies have also highlighted the broader societal harm of expanded gambling. For example, individuals who gamble excessively are often more likely to face financial difficulties, including bankruptcies and lower credit scores. While Yang acknowledges that other personal and systemic factors contribute to these outcomes, he emphasizes the role of gambling as a catalyst for such challenges.

Sports Betting as a “New Tax” on Vulnerable Men

Yang drew attention to the disproportionate impact of sports betting on low-income men, describing it as a “new tax” on this demographic. He noted that the financial pressures from gambling often exacerbate emotional and psychological stress, leading to adverse effects like increased domestic violence.

It increases financial stresses and emotional problems. It’s not what your citizens need.

Yang’s perspective highlights how the gambling industry’s targeting of vulnerable groups amplifies the societal cost of this activity.

“It increases financial stresses and emotional problems. It’s not what your citizens need,” Yang wrote, advocating for more comprehensive regulations to mitigate these risks. His critique calls for a reevaluation of how gambling is marketed and monitored to protect individuals and families from harm.

Calls for Change in the Gambling Industry

Yang’s commentary underscores the urgency of implementing better guardrails around sports betting. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that allows people to enjoy sports gambling responsibly while ensuring safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable populations. His reflections contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the societal costs of gambling and the role of policymakers in addressing these challenges.

The Opposing Views

Advocates of the view that gambling is not inherently harmful argue that, for most individuals, it serves as a form of entertainment comparable to activities like dining out or attending movies. They assert that the majority of gamblers engage responsibly, setting personal limits on time and expenditure, thereby maintaining control over their gambling habits. This perspective is supported by the implementation of responsible gambling tools by operators, such as self-exclusion programs and spending limits, which are designed to assist players in managing their gambling behaviors. For instance, the American Gaming Association emphasizes the importance of tools that help consumers monitor and track their gambling, including self-exclusion options and spending limits, to promote responsible play.

Proponents further contend that gambling addiction often stems from underlying factors such as genetic predispositions, mental health disorders, or environmental influences, rather than the act of gambling itself. Research indicates that genetic factors contribute to the development of gambling disorders, with studies in large twin samples confirming this association.

Additionally, a study by the National Institutes of Health found shared genetic markers underlying substance use disorders, suggesting a biological basis for addictive behaviors that extends beyond gambling.

This perspective suggests that individuals with such predispositions may be more susceptible to developing gambling problems, and that addressing these root causes would be more effective than focusing solely on gambling activities.

Moreover, supporters argue that prohibiting or heavily restricting gambling could lead to unintended negative consequences, such as driving the activity underground where regulatory safeguards are absent. They highlight the economic benefits of regulated gambling, including job creation, tax revenue, and funding for community programs. By maintaining a regulated environment, authorities can implement measures to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling practices. For example, modern gaming platforms are increasingly incorporating user-friendly responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and time-out periods, to empower players to manage their gambling behaviors effectively.

This approach aims to balance the enjoyment of gambling as a leisure activity with the need to mitigate potential harms, emphasizing personal responsibility and the importance of addressing broader factors contributing to addiction.

Sports Betting Regulations

In New York, sports betting is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), which oversees both retail and mobile wagering. Retail sports betting was authorized in 2013, allowing in-person wagering at four upstate commercial casinos. The landscape expanded significantly with the legalization of mobile sports betting in January 2022. Under current regulations, bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically located within state boundaries to place wagers. The NYSGC mandates that all mobile wagers be transmitted to and accepted by electronic equipment located at a licensed commercial casino facility, ensuring compliance with state laws. Additionally, operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion programs and spending limits, to promote safe betting practices.

Nationally, the regulatory environment for sports betting varies across states. As of December 2024, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form, with 30 states permitting online wagering. Each state establishes its own regulatory framework, leading to differences in tax rates, licensing requirements, and operational guidelines. For example, New Jersey imposes an 8.5% tax on in-person wagers and a 13% tax on online bets, while Pennsylvania enforces a 36% tax rate on all sports betting revenue. States like Colorado and Indiana have adopted more moderate tax rates, ranging from 9.5% to 10%. Regulatory oversight is typically managed by state gaming commissions or lottery boards, which are responsible for licensing operators, ensuring consumer protection, and enforcing compliance with state laws. This decentralized approach reflects the diverse attitudes toward gambling across the United States and allows each state to tailor its regulations to local preferences and policy objectives.

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A Unique Blend of Poker and Blockchain Technology

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