Online fantasy sports is a new phenomenon. It has exploded in popularity across the globe in a matter of years. Over 55 million people played fantasy sports in 2015. New leagues can be joined multiple times a day, all year round. Fantasy sports started with just football. Now it consists of all major sports (baseball, basketball, hockey, golf, soccer, NASCAR, etc.).
The argument of skill game vs. luck-based gambling is a hot topic in the matter. Many people believe that fantasy sports are a skill-based game while others believe that it is a problematic form of gambling that can be abused.
At first, partaking in fantasy sports can seem relatively harmless. Many people find that it can be a progressive addiction, a disorder that can snowball from an individual doing one fantasy team per year, to that same person gambling multiple times per day. The sooner you recognize a gambling problem and enact a treatment, the less emotional, physical, and financial stress you generally will incur. New Jersey is at the forefront of treating fantasy sports addicts by offering a 24/7 confidential hotline and text-line.
Recently, in an NJ.com video, Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, spoke out to clarify the Council’s stance on fantasy sports.
“I’m neither for nor against fantasy sports. I’m not for nor against any kind of gambling.” – Neva Pryor
Neva is looking to get the message out that fantasy sports are a form of gambling that can lead to trouble participants: “We’re not looking to shut these people down. We’re looking for them to be able to give that message out and to admit that this is a form of gambling.”
SUPPORT. TREATMENT. HOPE.
Support, treatment, and hope are three words that the Council emphasizes. The 800GAMBLER.org website offers numerous resources for affected individuals with gambling disorders.
Whether you have an issue with fantasy sports, eSports, sports betting, or casino games, we want people to know that there is sports gambling problem help in Atlantic City. Our informative brochures address many topics ranging from online gaming to military gambling for residents of Marlboro Township, NJ and throughout the state. Please share this blog if you feel it can help improve somebody you know and love!