NCPG presents “important baseline data” for US sports betting

The National Council on Problem Gambling has published the results of its National Survey of Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences survey, presenting findings on a national and state-by-state basis.

Towards the culmination of 2018, with the support of GVC Holdings, the NCPG commissioned Ipsos, a global market research and consulting firm, to conduct a US national consumer study.

This aim was to examine the experiences with various forms of gambling, as well as attitudes about gambling among participants in the study, which included 3,000 individuals nationwide.

Keith Whyte, executive director of NCPG, said of the study: “NGAGE is a big initiative for NCPG and will provide important baseline data as gambling, especially sports betting, continues in the US.

“In analysing the data, we hope to better understand problem gambling and people’s attitudes toward it. The data will be a critical tool for advocates, industry and legislators as they consider state-by-state sports betting initiatives, providing evidence to illuminate patterns of past behaviours as they consider possible future impacts.

“We also expect that the data will bolster our efforts to gain support for better access to treatment and services for those affected by problem gambling and gambling addiction.”

Providing an overview of gambling participation and problem gambling trends, the study includes questions on gambling participation, an emphasis on sports betting and fantasy sports betting, problematic behaviour and positive play and beliefs and opinions about problem gambling.

Initial findings show that the vast majority of Americans support responsible gambling measures, with 63 per cent feeling it was important for operators to implement such if their state was to legalise sports betting.

Furthermore, a clear majority of two to one feel it is important to set aside some revenues for treatment and for public awareness campaigns.

Don Feeney, gambling policy consultant for National Council on Problem Gambling and president of Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance, added: “We’ve learned that almost three quarters of the American public likes to gamble every now and then, and that most do so responsibly.

“However, there are a small but significant number who are indulging in risky practices or who don’t understand how gambling works.

“As we continue to analyse the data we anticipate learning more about these people and how we can help reduce their risks.”

To read findings of the study in more detail, click here.

Whyte is set to speak at the inaugural Betting on Sports America, being held at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Exposition Center from 23-25 April, 2019, on a panel titled ‘tackling problem gambling – what is effective?’