(WWJ) – The first casino opened in Michigan in 1984. So, gambling isn't new in the state. But in 2021, sports and internet gaming were legalized, changing the landscape drastically.
With that change, there has been a shift in the way we talk about sports; it can certainly make games more exciting and networks – and the leagues themselves – are leaning into that.
But on the Daily J podcast, WWJ’s Zach Clark tackles the intersection between entertainment, pro sports and addiction, learning there can be a dark side to sports gambling.
“It’s become commonplace with sports fans, just sitting on the couch, they can bet on their phone and I think it adds a little bit more excitement,” said 97.1 The Ticket’s Jim Costa.
That same convenience, however, can feed into addiction, according to Dr. L.A. Barlow, a clinical psychologist at the Detroit Medical Center.
“With it being really accessible, it does lead to the addiction because it’s always there, it’s always available. And when you have it somewhere like on your phone, it can be done secretively, where it can be hidden from family members, where a person can really feed into it,” Barlow said.
If you think you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117. Additional resources are available here.
Want more of The Daily J? Just text WWJ to 20357 to get the podcast delivered to your phone or tablet for free, every Monday-Friday. And be sure to subscribe. Msg and data rates apply.
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