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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Problem gambling is increasing nationwide as online betting expands, and players need practical tools to protect themselves now.
- A recent survey found nearly 20 million US adults reported some level of problem gambling, while online wagering in more than 30 states is widening access and risk.
- Licensed therapist Chris Anderson, a former gambling addict, discusses what to watch for and how bettors can regain control.
Last-year data from the National Council on Problem Gambling shows nearly 20 million US adults reported some form of problem gambling, a figure experts link in part to the rapid growth of online betting across 30+ states.
The ease of 24/7 access via apps and mobile sites can accelerate risky patterns like chasing losses, increasing stakes, hiding play, and neglecting work or family obligations.
In a conversation with host Peter O’Dowd, licensed therapist Chris Anderson – who has personal experience with gambling addiction – breaks down the behavioral signs, common triggers, and the early steps people took to stop harming themselves financially and emotionally.
The discussion emphasizes that problem gambling is a health issue, not a moral failing, and that timely intervention improves outcomes.
Operators must expand RG rersources
Wider access means more people encounter risks earlier and more often. Practically, bettors may face larger and faster losses, relationship strain, and unexpected debt, making prevention tools essential.
Operators and sportsbooks are under growing pressure to expand responsible gambling measures and document more robust player-protection programs to limit liability and avoid regulatory scrutiny.
Key player-focused protections include:
- Self-exclusion programs and state-level exclusion lists to block access across operators
- Deposit, loss, and session limits built into apps to curb escalation
- Blocking software (for example, Gamban or BetBlocker) and time-management tools
- Therapy and support groups, plus national and state resource directories
Stronger responsible gaming suites and transparent customer outreach can reduce harm and protect brand trust while regulators increasingly expect demonstrable action and funding for treatment.
Based on reporting by Here & Now Newsroom for NPR.
