NGAGE 1.0 Survey Reveals Critical Public Policy Implications for US Gambling Expansion

NGAGE 1.0 Survey Reveals Critical Public Policy Implications for US Gambling Expansion

By Michael Peterson

January 21, 2025 at 01:23 AM

The National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE 1.0) from 2018 revealed crucial insights about gambling behavior and public health in the United States. Here are the key findings and policy implications:

Key Risk Factors:

  • Sports betting carries higher risks of problematic play compared to other gambling forms
  • Fantasy sports players show elevated levels of risky behavior
  • Young adults face the greatest risk of problematic gambling
  • Frequent players are less likely to practice responsible gambling
  • Socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic background do not affect gambling risk levels

Policy Recommendations:

  • Implement effective regulation instead of prohibition, as banned activities often continue illegally
  • Establish comprehensive responsible gaming measures for legal sports betting
  • Create targeted prevention programs for young adults
  • Utilize state lotteries for problem gambling awareness, as they reach the widest audience
  • Focus positive play messaging on frequent players through VIP programs and players clubs
  • Reduce stigma around gambling disorders and increase treatment awareness

Monitoring and Research Needs:

  • Regular assessment of sports betting's public health impact
  • Better understanding of causal relationships in problematic gambling
  • Study of how young problem gamblers' behavior changes with age
  • Evaluation of treatment effectiveness and accessibility

Person gambling on mobile phone

Person gambling on mobile phone

As gambling continues to expand across the United States, collaboration between governments, industry, and service providers is essential to maximize benefits while minimizing potential harms to society.

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