HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – It could be a lot of fun.
But it's so easy to bet on your phone that it can quickly get out of control.
The good news is that there are resources available in difficult times.
Thousands of thrill-seekers in Connecticut will be scrolling through their phones and placing bets on dozens of March Madness games as UW looks to win another national championship.
Sports betting can be dangerous.
Last year, 68 million people bet $15 billion on the tournament.
“I was a gambling addict from the age of 18 to 32,” said Brian Hatch, a recovering gambling addict.
It took him nearly 10 years to recover, but he's shocked at how easily people get hooked on sports betting.
“I needed gas money because I needed hours to go to the casino. Now it's really hard because I just put my phone down and open it and it's there and it doesn't go away unless I exclude it and block it.” continued Mr. Hatch.
Hatch is now a recovery specialist at Wheeler Health, helping people facing the same devastating problem he's had for 14 years.
On Monday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal slammed major sports betting companies, accusing them of targeting and exploiting problem gamblers, especially during March Madness.
Their main target is young men.
“It can lead to professional strife, family breakdown, and even suicide, because people who take on debt are often desperate,” Blumenthal said.
He is a co-sponsor of the GRID Act, a bill that would provide federal funding for gambling addiction research, treatment, and recovery.
“All other forms of addiction. Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco involve federal funds. But not gambling addiction. And that's wrong,” he continued.
If you need help, call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling or call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.
