Attorney General Andrea Campbell, with a former governor on her side and support from Boston's largest professional sports franchise, has embarked on a new public education effort about youth sports betting and the public health risks of gambling.
The new public-private youth sports betting safety coalition, announced Thursday at a press conference at Boston's TD Garden, includes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the Massachusetts Gaming Health Council, the Citizen Action Project, the NCAA, and Boston. . Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, New England Revolution.
“As Massachusetts enters a new era in which sports betting is literally available at our fingertips, it is important to raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity, especially for young people,” Campbell said in a statement.
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, who currently heads the NCAA, said college sports organizations are “committed to protecting the health of student-athletes and the integrity of college athletics from the harms of sports gambling.”
The new coalition is tasked with developing what Campbell's office calls an “evidence-based” training and health system for youth ages 12 to 20 in the state.
According to national data compiled by the NCAA, nearly 6 in 10 (58%) 18- to 22-year-olds have participated in at least some sports betting activity. Campbell's office said the NCAA's 2023 study also showed that radio and television advertising influenced its activities.
Under state law, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to bet on sports or participate in casino games. But the state's recent legalization of online sports betting has made online sports betting more accessible to younger state residents, officials said.
“Massachusetts licensed operators understand the expectations and requirements set by the Commission to ensure the strongest possible technology protocols and how important it is that youth do not have access to gambling. State Gaming Commissioner Bradford Hill said.
”“Stakeholders need to work together to ensure technical closures are in place to prevent direct access, and there is education to inform young people and their families about the risks associated with gambling,” Hill continued.
Since its launch in 2023, the state's sports gambling industry has grown steadily, generating $60.55 million in taxable revenue for three physical sportsbooks and eight online betting platforms, and last December brought in $1,200 to Massachusetts. It brought in $1 million in revenue, the State House News Service reported.
However, this comes with some drawbacks. Officials say teens who gamble are more likely to become dependent on alcohol and illicit drugs and experience depression than those who don't gamble.
“Sports betting and related advertising is flooding sports venues, broadcasts and merchandise, and children are constantly watching and consuming it,” said Marlene Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Gaming Health Council. “I do things like that,” he said.
“We need to provide a balance to these adult-oriented messages through strong and engaging educational materials and programs. I applaud this coalition for launching an initiative focused on health.” said Warner.
The legalization of sports betting has been a boon for the nation's professional sports leagues. As a result, Major League Baseball's fan base is expanding, according to the Sports Business Journal.
Red Sox executive David Friedman said in a statement that the team is “grateful to be able to participate in this important dialogue with the stakeholders where this coalition is positioned to have the greatest impact.”
“The Red Sox, along with other professional sports teams, are leveraging our platform to raise awareness among young people to understand the risks associated with sports betting and make smart, informed decisions. We are proud to provide education,” Friedman said. .
(If you or a loved one is facing a gambling problem and need help, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit: https://gamblinghelplinema.org Mr Campbell's office said he was asking for advice from a trained professional. The helpline is free, confidential and available in multiple languages. Additional resources are available to help prevent problem gambling. here. )
