The Hidden Dangers of Betting Apps Fueling a Gambling Addiction Crisis

The surge in online gambling has triggered growing concerns about its public health consequences. In mid-November, a report from the Lancet Public Health Commission warned of significant risks stemming from the online gambling boom. Nearly three years after the launch of mobile sports betting in New York, similar alarms are being raised by clinicians and counselors at gambling treatment centers, including Helio Health in Syracuse.

Fewer Calls Despite More Gambling Opportunities

Susan Browne, a gambling treatment counselor at Helio Health, has noticed a troubling trend: a decline in the number of problem gamblers seeking help. The center provides individual and group counseling sessions designed to teach problem-solving skills and encourage long-term abstinence from gambling. Despite the increasing availability of gambling methods, Browne reports receiving fewer calls from individuals seeking assistance.

“There’s more methods of gambling, yet I’m getting less and less phone calls,” she shared. Browne speculates that this decrease in outreach may change eventually, but for now, many people seem hesitant to access available support services.

Browne believes the perception of mobile sports betting contributes to this issue. Since the legalization of online wagering in New York, younger clients often claim they aren’t gambling—they’re merely “betting on sports.” This belief, coupled with the popularity of apps like DraftKings and FanDuel, creates a false sense of security around sports betting.

Helio Health currently offers professional assessments, individual and group counseling, family support, financial management coaching, and gambling in-service training upon request.

Gambling Apps Are Just Another Online Activity

Jim Maney, executive director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, emphasizes how normalized mobile gambling has become, particularly among younger individuals. “Being on a phone app is no different from being on Instagram or Snapchat or TikTok. Now you’re on a gambling app. It’s all the same thing,” he explained.

Problem gamblers might borrow from friends, max out credit cards, or even mortgage their homes before seeking help

The seamless integration of gambling into everyday online life has blurred the lines between entertainment and addiction. Despite the rise in gambling activity, treatment-seeking rates remain low, partly due to the lack of visible symptoms. Gamblers often conceal their struggles until they are in deep financial trouble.

Maney noted that problem gamblers might max out their credit cards, borrow from friends and even mortgage their homes before seeking help, and added that the stigma and shame associated with gambling addiction can make it hard for individuals to come forward.

Raising Awareness Through Public Education

Public education is a critical part of tackling gambling addiction, according to Laura Combs, executive director of New Choices Recovery Center in Schenectady. She argues that prevention efforts should start early, as even seemingly harmless activities like parents giving scratch-off tickets to children can promote “magical thinking”—the belief that luck can defy the odds.

Combs compared the slow recognition of gambling addiction to society’s gradual understanding of alcohol dependency. She explained:

They would feel that there was something unique or wrong or bad about them versus recognizing that anybody who drinks enough or uses enough of a substance over time is going to develop a problem.

Government Action and Policy Changes

New York has invested in various treatment programs, but Combs insists that more needs to be done, particularly when it comes to regulating gambling advertisements and enhancing public awareness campaigns. In a recent move, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring all gambling ads, including those for mobile sports betting, to display addiction warnings and hotline numbers prominently.

Nationally, U.S. Representative Paul Tonko is advocating for more comprehensive reforms through his SAFE Bet Act. This proposed legislation aims to limit sportsbook advertising during live events, cap daily deposits, and introduce affordability checks before large wagers can be placed.

Former New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang has also expressed concerns about the unchecked growth of sports gambling in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for more protective measures to safeguard the public.

History of Sports Betting in New York

Since the legalization of mobile sports betting in New York in January 2022, the state has experienced a significant surge in wagering activity. In November 2024, the total handle reached $2.27 billion, marking a 7% increase from the previous month. This growth contributed to a record-breaking gross revenue of $231.6 million for that month. The state’s 51% tax rate on sports betting operators resulted in $118.1 million in tax revenue for November alone, bringing the year-to-date total to over $965 million. Projections indicate that New York is on track to surpass $1 billion in annual tax revenue by the end of December 2024.

The popularity of mobile sports betting has led to record-breaking weeks, particularly during major sporting events. For instance, during the week ending December 1, 2024, which included Thanksgiving, the state reported a handle of $592.9 million, the highest weekly total to date.

This trend underscores the growing acceptance and participation in mobile sports wagering among New Yorkers. Leading operators like FanDuel and DraftKings have capitalized on this interest, consistently handling substantial portions of the state’s betting volume.

Despite the financial benefits, there are concerns regarding the potential rise in gambling addiction associated with increased accessibility to mobile betting platforms. The New York State Gaming Commission reported a 26% increase in problem gambling-related calls to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports from 2021 to 2022, coinciding with the introduction of mobile sports betting.

This suggests that the convenience of mobile betting may contribute to higher rates of gambling-related issues. However, it’s important to note that the overall percentage of bettors at risk for addiction remains relatively small, estimated at about 4% of New York’s betting population.

This indicates that while there is an uptick in individuals seeking help, the majority of bettors are not exhibiting problematic behaviors.

CoinPoker: Revolutionizing Online Poker with Blockchain Technology

CoinPoker is transforming the online poker world by integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency into its platform. Since its launch in 2017, it has gained popularity among poker enthusiasts seeking a secure, decentralized gaming environment. While poker is its primary focus, CoinPoker has also introduced limited sports betting options, establishing itself as a unique contender in the global gambling industry.

Revolutionizing Online Poker with Blockchain

CoinPoker started as a platform for casual players offering free poker games. By 2018, it expanded into real-money games, integrating cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and its native CHP token. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, CoinPoker prioritizes privacy, security, and transparency for its users.

A key innovation is its blockchain-based Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures fair and tamper-proof gameplay. This cutting-edge feature appeals to players who value transparency and trust, cementing CoinPoker’s reputation as a pioneer in the online poker sector.

Financial Transparency for Player Confidence

CoinPoker upholds financial transparency through its Proof of Reserves (PoR) system. This mechanism guarantees that player funds are fully backed and securely separated from operational resources. Currently, CoinPoker holds $16.75 million in reserves, covering $16 million in player deposits with a strong coverage rate of 105%.

Operating under a Curaçao eGaming license, CoinPoker complies with stringent regulatory standards, fostering a trustworthy and secure gaming environment.

Fair Play and Responsible Gaming

Fairness and responsible gaming are core to CoinPoker’s mission. Its blockchain-powered RNG ensures fair play, while its robust anti-fraud system enhances player trust. The platform also provides responsible gaming tools such as self-exclusion features, helping users manage their gaming behavior. A dedicated responsible gaming officer ensures compliance and player welfare.

CoinPoker’s offerings extend beyond poker, with competitive sports betting odds and mobile apps for iOS and Android, enabling on-the-go gaming.

Fast and Private Crypto Transactions

CoinPoker streamlines cryptocurrency transactions, allowing users to deposit and withdraw funds with speed and ease. By bypassing traditional banking systems, players enjoy faster and more private transactions, appealing to those who prioritize discretion and efficiency.

Building a Vibrant Community through Events and Partnerships

Community engagement is central to CoinPoker’s success. Regular events, giveaways, and collaborations with poker ambassadors strengthen its community while boosting its visibility.

For example, Bobby James secured fifth place at the 2024 EPT Cyprus Main Event, winning $271,400. CoinPoker celebrated this milestone with a special giveaway. Another ambassador, Patrick Leonard, finished 28th in the same event, earning $26,600. These achievements highlight CoinPoker’s strong ties to top-tier poker talent and its commitment to player engagement.

The Future of Online Gaming with Blockchain

Although CoinPoker may not offer as many features as larger platforms, it excels at blending blockchain technology with online poker. Its focus on privacy, transparency, and fairness provides a refreshing alternative to traditional poker sites.

For players seeking a secure, innovative, and community-driven gaming experience, CoinPoker stands out as a forward-thinking leader in online poker. Its blockchain and cryptocurrency integration ensure its place at the forefront of the evolving online gaming landscape.

Discover CoinPoker today and experience the perfect fusion of technology and poker