Research from the University of Maryland highlights a significant rise in gambling-related issues, particularly gambling disorders, following the legalization of online sports gambling in the state. According to findings released by the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the prevalence of individuals suffering from gambling disorders increased from 4% before legalization to 5.7% in the present day.
Research Methodology and Findings
The study involved a sample of 3,600 respondents, who provided insights into their gambling habits. Dr. Christopher Welsh, the medical director at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling and a professor of psychiatry, emphasized the seriousness of gambling addiction, equating it to other well-documented addictive behaviors such as substance and alcohol abuse.
Dr. Welsh noted, “It’s very similar to other addictions. When you look at compulsive gambling, individuals cannot stop even when they face issues like losing money. People may not realize it, but withdrawal from gambling can mirror the symptoms seen in alcohol addiction.” He added that the physiological factors underpinning gambling addiction are comparable to those affecting individuals addicted to drugs like cocaine.
Impact of Gambling Disorders
Gambling addiction can have profound effects not only on the individual but also on their families and communities. Dr. Welsh pointed out that people with gambling addictions often go to great lengths to fund their activities, which can lead to detrimental consequences for their loved ones. In some cases, individuals engage in criminal behavior to obtain money for gambling.
Furthermore, the impact of gambling addiction on mental health is stark. “Suicide rates, both attempted and completed, are alarmingly high among those with gambling addiction, surpassing rates seen in other types of addiction,” Dr. Welsh stated. This alarming statistic underscores the need for increased awareness and support for those affected by gambling disorders.
Maryland is not alone in grappling with the surge in gambling disorders. Experts in West Virginia have raised similar concerns, noting an uptick in addiction rates among youth and student-athletes following the legalization of sports betting. Some argue that the increase in reported gambling disorders is not merely a consequence of legalization but also a result of improved identification and support for those in need. They suggest that legalization may have brought to light individuals who previously struggled in silence.
As states continue to grapple with the implications of legalized gambling, the findings from the University of Maryland serve as a crucial reminder of the potential risks associated with increased access to gambling activities.
