The gambling industry continues to grow from strength to strength the world over. The USA is one of the fastest growing markets for sports betting in particular, with revenues in New Jersey in January 2021 almost double ($886.7 million compared to $471.1 million) that of last year. It was a similar story in Pennsylvania, where sports betting brought in $579.9 million this year compared to $308.6 million in 2020.
That makes sports betting an undeniably powerful proposition for providers and punters alike – but the industry is evolving more rapidly than expected, and with great power comes great responsibility. The ease and convenience of laying wagers nowadays create the potential for individuals to form problem habits, which is why it’s so important that both the industry itself and the players which support it practise responsible gambling.
A helping hand from HowToBet.com
Given that the online gambling market is only expected to grow in the coming years, it’s important to ensure that those most affected by it receive the support they require. Step forward HowToBet.com, which has been called something akin to a "how to bet" Wikipedia by many commentators on the subject.
This freely accessible site aims to educate the uninitiated and enlighten them on every aspect of the gambling industry, arming them with the information they need to bet safely and responsibly online. At present, the site hosts over one thousand articles, how-to guides and other important resources that have been penned by experienced journalists and veterans of the sector, giving a unique insight into the gambling industry.
“Make no mistake, we love the world of online sports betting,” explains Cristian Campan, commercial lead at HowToBet.com “But we are also the first to acknowledge that it isn't without its potential dangers. As online sports betting continues to grow in popularity, so does the need for us to educate people on how to do it in a way that minimises the risk of harm.”
The industry’s end of the bargain
While ensuring that gamblers and bettors have the tools and the support they need is of paramount concern, it’s also important to ensure that the industry itself is adhering to rigid guidelines and best practices that value the safety of its consumers above mere profit margins and balance sheets. That means stamping out unscrupulous websites which violate the terms of their license – or worse still, don’t have a license at all.
In the UK, for example, reputable betting sites have long instituted a culture of responsibility and awareness. Britain is home to one of the biggest gambling markets in the world, so it’s encouraging that major players in the industry brought in a number of voluntary measures in 2014 aimed at safeguarding the players which fund their success.
Among other initiatives, the four biggest bookmakers in the nation (Gala Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and William Hill) set up an independent commissioner to regulate all activity in the industry, as well as introducing time-related bans on advertising on British television. Sensible measures like these should be replicated across the globe in order to keep gambling safe, responsible and enjoyable for all involved.
Image Source: Unsplash
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