USA: 6 months after regulation, Vermont launches problem gambling programme

News Team August 5, 2024

In the USA, the Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) has announced the launch of a new website aimed at supporting individuals and families affected by gambling issues. This site is a key resource for those seeking immediate help and guidance on gambling problems, as well as for promoting healthier gambling practices.

Addressing gambling challenges in Vermont

With around 11,600 Vermonters estimated to be struggling with gambling problems, “VTGamblingHelp” is designed to offer essential support. The site provides several features to help users manage gambling behaviour and find necessary assistance: a 24/7 Helpline, a Live Chat, tools for users to assess their gambling habits and identify whether they might need help, and referrals to various treatment resources in Vermont, including counseling and support groups.

Training professionals

The new programme also features a ‘For Providers’ section, which offers free training sessions for Vermont’s healthcare providers. The Vermont Problem Gambling Clinical Training programme includes a 10-session, 30-hour course to teach professionals the skills they need in gambling disorder assessment and treatment.

Self-Exclusion

The main feature of the new campaign however is the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programme that lets mobile sports betting players choose to pause their betting activities for a set period, helping them control their gambling.

6 months after regulation

The launch of this site comes about six months after Vermont legalised sports betting in January 2024. As online sports betting became available, the need for support services grew, with concerns about increased gambling-related issues.

Dr. Kelley Klein, Medical Director at DMH, explained: “With the introduction of online sports betting, we anticipated a rise in gambling problems. This website is crucial in providing support and resources for those affected.”

Expanding support and awareness

The DMH has allocated $250,000 to improve problem gambling resources. This funding will also support media campaigns to raise awareness about the gambling helpline and the formation of a statewide team of clinicians to treat gambling-related issues.

Charles Martin, spokesperson for the Department of Liquor and Lottery, stressed the importance of these services: “Any state with legal sports betting needs to have resources like this. It’s crucial to provide support for those dealing with gambling problems.”

As an executive from aGamble.com explained: “Licensed online gambling operators in the USA already provide good tools like stake limits, self-exclusion, and cooldown options to protect players. However, offshore sportsbooks and casinos are a real threat, these sites have targeted American consumers for decades, they often offer bigger bonuses and better odds, leading to over half a trillion dollars in illegal wagers annually.”

According to aGamble.com, everyone has a role to play in making gambling safer, from government officials to bettors and operators: “Lawmakers should not only ban these offshore sites but also educate the public through social campaigns about the risks of illegal gambling, regardless of the attractive offers. Gambling companies could in our opinion support these efforts by donating a small percentage of their profits to fund these educational campaigns for TV, radio, internet and other public spaces.”