ROCHESTER, N.Y. — With Super Bowl Sunday approaching, sports betting is expected to see a significant increase. This rise in betting has led to concerns about gambling addiction. So what are the signs to lookout for?
Craig Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling addiction, said, “Usually you’re going to see some progression of the process and the person often will start to cross their own value system. Start to lie, start to not be fully truthful, start to hide money from others, which usually is losses.”
Johnson noted that the Super Bowl is a peak time for sports betting, making it particularly challenging for those struggling with gambling addiction. “Very difficult. You know, certainly the playoffs right into to the Super Bowl is the peak time for people that are betting on football,” said Johnson.
“Some of the people I work with have commented that trying to quit gambling in this culture and these days is like an alcoholic trying to get sober in a bar,” he added.
US Census data shows a nearly fivefold increase in tax revenue from sports betting across the US between 2021 and 2025.
According to the American Gaming Association, more than 67 million Americans are expected to wager on the Super Bowl this year, spending over $1.76 billion.
News10NBC visited the Shamrock Inn to gather opinions from local bettors. Ian Hicks, a customer, said, “I think sports gambling is okay as long as you’re doing it responsibly. It’s never been more that you can lose.”
Alicia Pratt, another customer, expressed concerns about the accessibility of gambling ads. “Everything in moderation, right? So at the end of the day, I think it’s great that it’s an option, but it needs to be regulated to a degree as well,” said Pratt. “Having ads like during the Super Bowl, I think kids having accessibility to that and seeing that it’s not always the greatest.”
In New York state, sports betting is taxed at about 51 percent, with funds going towards gambling education, treatment, and sports programs for underserved youth.
For gambling addiction resources, visit the following sites:
- NYS Office of Addiction Services & Support Finger Lakes Problem Gambling Resource Center
- Depaul National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
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