TThe firing of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani's interpreter and close friend following allegations of illegal gambling and theft from a Japanese baseball player has brought renewed attention to gambling addiction.
Ippei Mizuhara, the interpreter who has been Otani's constant companion since he moved to the United States in 2017, was removed from the team following reports that he had an alleged relationship with an illegal bookmaker and a debt of well over $1 million. He was fired on Wednesday.
The law firm representing Ohtani said in a statement that he was the victim of “mass theft.”
Mizuhara told ESPN this week that Ohtani had no knowledge of illegal bets on international soccer, the NBA, NFL or college football. Mizuhara said Otani was an innocent victim of his friend's gambling addiction.
What is problem gambling?
The National Council on Problem Gambling defines gambling addiction as “gambling behavior that harms individuals and their families, often interfering with their daily lives and careers.”
Gambling addiction is a recognized mental health diagnosis and anyone with a gambling problem is at risk of developing a problem, the group said.
Symptoms include constantly thinking about gambling. Feel the need to bet more money more often. Going back to try to get your money back, feeling out of control, and continuing to gamble despite negative consequences, known as “chasing losses.”
How widespread is it?
According to the council, approximately 2.5 million adults in the United States meet the criteria for severe gambling addiction. Additionally 5 million to 8 million people are thought to have a mild or moderate gambling problem.
The 800-GAMBLER hotline offers help and referrals, and Gamblers Anonymous also provides resources and support for people with gambling problems.
Where is sports betting legal?
Since a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that opened the floodgates to legal gambling in a case brought by New Jersey, sports betting is legal in 38 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. More than 80% of his sports betting is done online using a mobile phone or laptop.
On Thursday, at the start of the NCAA college basketball tournament, the American Gaming Association estimated that Americans will bet $2.72 billion on the tournament through legal media this year.
What are sports leagues doing regarding gambling?
Major professional sports leagues prohibit players from gambling, and many impose penalties for violations, including fines, suspensions, and lifetime bans.
The most famous of these concerns baseball star Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hitting leader, who was suspended for betting on games involving his team.
Baseball's collective bargaining agreement includes an annual spring training education program for players on safety and security, including sports betting and gambling-related issues.
This comes as the leagues, which have fiercely resisted legalizing sports betting beyond the four states where it was allowed before 2018, have become business partners with the largest gambling outlets. . Many teams and leagues have official sports betting partners and allow gambling companies to advertise on their premises. Some opened sportsbooks at the stadium.
Is gambling legal in California or Japan?
Sports betting is not legal in California, despite several attempts to get voters to legalize it. Most forms of gambling are prohibited in Japan, but are allowed in public races such as horse racing, motorsports, bicycles, motorboats, and motorcycles.
