Starting on March 11, 2024, residents of North Carolina will have the option to legally make online bets on sports. The impact of this change can already be seen through the abundance of advertisements on various platforms such as social media, billboards, television, and podcasts.

Rosa Li, from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is concerned about the potential harm these advertisements can have on young adult males. According to her, this specific group, especially individuals pursuing higher education, are the most vulnerable to developing gambling addictions.

During this stage, teenagers are particularly interested in seeking rewards. This is due to the fact that their pre-frontal cortex, located at the front of their brain, is still developing until their early twenties. This was explained by the speaker.

Li elaborated, “The part of their brain responsible for rational decision-making and self-control is still developing.”

In her lessons about the growth of the teenage brain, Li educates students on the importance of the “second developmental window.” This is a crucial period for establishing both positive and negative habits.

According to Li, it comes right after the first three years of life in terms of importance.

Numerous promotions promoting sports betting websites showcase prominent individuals, including famous personalities and professional athletes. Li stated this could potentially heighten the attractiveness of these sites to young adult males.

The speaker stated that this could create an illusion of a fashionable behavior that is socially accepted. This is especially true when a celebrity or an athlete you admire endorses these websites.

Of all the states in the US, only 12 continue to ban sports betting. Alabama is among those states.

The Alabama Policy Institute, along with other critics in the state, has pointed out the harmful impact that online gambling sites can have on young adults as a primary reason for their opposition.

In the previous month, there were individuals who expressed their worry during the state House committee’s conversation about proposed laws.

Stephanie Smith, President and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute, stated that sports betting businesses purposely appeal to younger individuals, specifically teenage boys, in order to secure long-term customers. She pointed out that the male frontal cortex is not fully developed until the age of 25, emphasizing that this industry is deliberately targeting a demographic that may not have the necessary skills to manage their services.

Smith stated that sports gambling is a growing problem on college campuses and across the country.

As of March 11, individuals must be 21 years old to legally place a sports bet through online means in North Carolina.

Li expressed concern about the difficulty of enforcing age limits online, as there are no physical bouncers like those found in traditional casinos to check identification.

The speaker believes that many teenagers are more knowledgeable about technology than the adults who are responsible for them. Therefore, there is a high chance that underage kids will be able to secretly access online gambling sites.

Every advertisement for a sports betting service must include the hotline number for addiction support services.

Although, Li pointed out that the majority of those figures are minuscule and difficult to distinguish from other legal disclaimers.

According to Li, experiencing irritability or discomfort when unable to bet could indicate withdrawal. Other warning signs of problem sports betting include trying to recoup losses, neglecting daily responsibilities or work, and being unable to quit gambling.

If you or someone you know may require assistance, dial 1800-GAMBLER or 1877-718-5543. The National Gambling Problem Helpline has received over 1.9 million inquiries for support since 2016.

Source: wral.com