One of the challenges of addiction recovery is the risk of exchanging one dependence for another. Individuals in recovery from substance and alcohol abuse sometimes seek new highs in other activities, such as gambling. Providers and individuals within the recovery space stand to gain valuable insights by expanding their understanding of problem gambling — considering what may be on Minnesota’s horizon.

While gambling has always been risky, the wide availability of illegal sports betting only adds to these concerns. As the state considers legalizing sports betting, it’s important to be aware of the various discussions taking place. Lawmakers are reintroducing to broker a path forward for implementation, striking up conversations about what sportsbooks would look like for fans statewide. As these statewide discussions on accountability and transparency gain momentum this spring, it’s crucial for us to recognize that any form of gambling poses negative harms to those in recovery.

Minnesota is a long-time leader in public health, but the potential expansion of sports betting exposes several deficits of its existing program. For example, the state falls short in providing sufficient education, prevention, and intervention strategies to at-risk individuals and those in need.

We must prioritize a comprehensive, community-driven response to this burgeoning crisis. This strategy begins with dispelling the myths about gambling disorder, recognizing its connection with other addictions, previewing the stakes of legalizing sports betting, and developing effective tools for us to equip and empower our communities.

Dispelling the Myths

Whether Minnesotans are betting on pull-tabs, playoff games or poker, gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, remains shrouded in stigma and silence. Gambling disorder is questioned as a legitimate addiction even in clinical settings. While two-thirds of Minnesotans reported placing a bet last year, only 20% of individuals facing gambling problems seek recovery.

Individuals experiencing gambling disorder exhibit similar cognitive patterns to those dealing with substance abuse addiction. A person’s “reward hub,” the ventral striatum, fires up when it anticipates a reward, such as winning money from gambling. This moment is like a gas pedal in a car, pushing a driver toward where they want to go. The “control network,” or prefrontal cortex, is the brake in the car, urging drivers to stop.

Addiction occurs when there is a disconnect between these two parts of the brain. Individuals with addiction exhibit less activity in their control network during a signal to stop. In this extended metaphor, they may also keep pressing the gas (e.g. placing bets, drinking, smoking), only to find that their brakes do not work. Over time, the control network or brakes of individuals addicted to gambling gradually erode, making it challenging to stop in an instant. It’s not a matter of willpower. An individual may want to stop betting, but these intricate neurological processes can override their conscious intentions.

The widespread acceptance of gambling in our modern culture, along with misconceptions about gambling problems, create additional barriers for those looking for help. An estimated 250,000 Minnesota adults struggle with a gambling problem. That’s equivalent to filling every seat at Xcel Energy Center for over 12 games.

Interconnected Risks: Gambling Disorder and Other Addictions

Like anyone experiencing addiction, problem gamblers will push the gas pedal in pursuit of greater thrills. The reduced activity in a person’s control network can make it challenging to identify brain signals prompting one to stop. These overlaps can cause some individuals who successfully stop one addiction to switch to another. When a person stops smoking, they may find themselves drinking more or gambling excessively. This switch, substitution, or cross-addiction contributes to the heightened risk that individuals in recovery face for developing a gambling addiction or having a recurrence.

Unsurprisingly, gambling disorder intertwines with other addictions and mental health issues. Seventy-two percent of people with a gambling disorder also have an alcohol use disorder. Higher rates of substance abuse, depression and suicide are also apparent. Overlaps are even seen among young players, including those in the growing sports betting demographic. College students with gambling problems are more likely to smoke, binge drink and use illegal drugs.

While these overlaps are worrisome, they’re also an entry point for collaboration. In the Minnesota recovery community, we have an opportunity to leverage our expertise and lived experiences to support those struggling with gambling and sports betting. The federal government has not allocated funds to address gambling disorder. Minnesota’s county-operated behavioral health clinics do not provide problem gambling services. 

The Stakes of Sports Betting

We can’t forecast the future to determine what legalized sports betting would look like in Minnesota. Looking at the 38 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized sports gambling provides vital insights into the impact on players, emphasizing the necessity for a community-driven response. Gambling can be easy, enticing, and deceptive. Sports betting is no exception.

Here’s what we’ve seen: Sports bettors are increasingly younger players with the largest group of the 50 million Americans regularly wagering on sports being men under the age of 35. Promotions offering “risk-free” or “bonus bets” to kick off their play lure many in. Bettors are not just wagering on a final score, either. Sportsbooks offer avenues to gamble on every throw, pass, and kick.

Here in Minnesota, sports fans are finding illegal ways to participate. Dozens of unregulated, offshore websites and apps offer Minnesotans ways to place bets — at risky costs. These sites do not hold a license from any U.S. jurisdiction to legally accept bets and can’t be counted on to pay out winnings. Access to sports betting content is moving mainstream. Covers.com and Legal Sports Report promotes “sports betting alternatives,” including daily fantasy sport (DFS) leagues, which permit bets. Readers will soon be able to scan point spreads and parlays from these offshore platforms in digital versions of the Star Tribune. It’s the product of XLMedia’s exclusive partnership with the newspaper.

The fast-paced nature of sports betting, compared frequently to day trading, can cause individuals to get sucked into complex gambling without knowing their odds or the damage to their wallets. In a short span of time, this betting spirals; nearly half of these young men report that they are betting more than they would like. Providers report clients who gamble in the shower or while driving; the cravings can feel inescapable.

The gas pedal and brake problems of addiction extend to why sports betting can be so addictive. Compared to casino players, sports bettors believe they have more control over their wins and losses. Fans with in-depth knowledge of a given team or sport may think they can place smarter, more strategic bets. This approach mirrors a troublesome pattern of gambling disorder and other addictive behaviors: Overestimating the probability of winning. In the car metaphor, a person may know a given route well or even shortcuts. Their brakes are still faulty.

We have a responsibility in our communities to change the narrative and broaden public knowledge around gambling addiction. Before any sports betting legalization, here are four ways we can build Minnesota’s playbook to support individuals impacted by gambling problems.

1. Become a community leader

Local and spiritual leaders are well positioned to identify and share resources to those at risk of or experiencing gambling problems. Non-clinical professionals in finance, human resources, corrections, and various other industries also interface with individuals at an increased risk and may be the first to spot warning spots.

MNAPG is launching an inaugural statewide problem for leaders interested in building grassroots infrastructure aimed at reducing stigma and broadening understanding on problem gambling. Learn more and apply at MNAPG.org here.

2. Get resources for providers

Gambling disorder co-occurs at high rates with other mental health issues. It’s important to screen and make referrals when a client is experiencing signs of problem gambling.

Providers and addiction counselors can access free screening and normative feedback tools, along with a directory of approved statewide providers. Minnesota residents struggling with gambling and sports betting, along with their family members, can access counseling, usually at no cost. In-person and telehealth options are available. Discover provider resources at MNAPG.org under the Professionals tab.

3. Spread the word among young people

Minnesota schools don’t offer public health education on problem gambling awareness and treatment services. Yet in the 2022 Minnesota Student Survey, over 6,000 high schoolers indicated they’re having gambling problems.

In response, MNAPG is developing a digital toolkit geared to teens and college students. Share this news with parents and educators, and follow MNAPG’s Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn social media pages to receive updates on the toolkit.

4. Reach out

Virtually anyone — men or women, young or old, and those from every religion, race, and socio-economic background — is at risk for developing a gambling problem.

Last Updated on March 7, 2024