Here is an article that shows that increased access to gambling increases the number of those who struggle with a gambling problem. I hope our government considers this as they consider whether to legalize sports gambling or not.


http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/gambling-addicts-seduced-growing-casino-accessibility-article-1.1301339

Here is a quote from the below article: "When sports betting is legalized, young people who have never stepped in a casino or purchased a lottery ticket will try putting money down on a game, and some will develop gambling problems. Athletes are specifically at risk. Lives, families will be ruined. This risk can't be overstated."

Easier the access the more addictive the chemical or the behavior. This is why we attempt to limit access of alcohol and cigarettes by children. We know these can be quickly addictive to the developing mind. Gambling is also highly addictive and impacts the brain and can damage the way we see ourselves and how others see us as well. If you or a loved one is struggling with a gambling problem, please reach out. There is help available.




http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/12555614/betting-sports-betting-legalization-cause-more-problem-gamblers

http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/online-gambling-is-it-worth-the-risk-for-governments-1.3001653

The following are the last few paragraphs of the attached story. Wondering if sports bracket gambling is illegal or not? Read on...

"These stories of youngsters betting on the tournament concern Otteman, the Central Michigan professor. He contends that brackets are the "gateway drug" of sports gambling, giving children the first rush that can lead to addiction. Otteman credits the NCAA's anti-gambling publicity and education campaigns, but he is still bothered every year when the organization, on its website, provides printable brackets that are inevitably used for gambling.

"That's where it goes sideways to me," Otteman said. "It's a very hypocritical stance, in terms of fighting against legalization but still profiting from the popularity of the brackets."

The stance likely won't change. On Tuesday, in a federal courtroom in Philadelphia, attorneys for the NCAA continued the fight to keep sports betting illegal. The conflict is among the NCAA, professional sports leagues and the state of New Jersey, which has been trying to legalize sports betting for years.

Meanwhile, federal employees are reminded that their standards of conduct prohibit them from participating in any gambling while on duty or on government property. And if they have ESPN, they could watch President Barack Obama fill out his bracket."

http://journalstar.com/ap/national/bracket-popularity-illustrates-ncaa-s-ambivalence-on-gambling/article_c29059cf-1ce5-5acf-b01c-96e5cdb29de4.html#.VQ7T7B1xVt8.email