SBC Americas

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is making a concerted effort to promote Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

March 1 marks the beginning of PGAM providing the NCPG with the opportunity to further reduce the stigma of problem gambling while providing access to a slew of resources.

“PGAM is intentionally aligned with the NCAA basketball tournament, a time when gambling is a frequent topic of conversation,” said the NCPG. “March is a prime opportunity for organizations to promote a better understanding of what is and isn’t true about problem gambling. As millions of people engage with the tournament, it offers a unique moment to raise awareness about the risks of gambling, educate the public, and challenge common misconceptions.”

This year, the NCPG is providing a new theme for its annual observance of PGAM. The theme, “Seeking Understanding,” aims to build a public understanding of problem gambling as a mental health condition by overcoming misconceptions to gain i..

YouTube announced on Tuesday that it will no longer permit content that directs users to “unapproved” gambling websites.

In an update posted on March 4, the platform’s team said that as part of an ongoing effort to protect viewers from potentially harmful content, it is strengthening its existing policies related to online gambling content.

YouTube defines unapproved gambling sites as platforms that don’t meet local legal requirements and haven’t been reviewed by YouTube or its parent company Google.

Effective March 19, YouTube will no longer allow non-Google-certified URLs, embedded links, visual displays including logos or verbal references.

“We know this update may impact creators who focus on online gambling content like casino games and applications, but we believe these changes are a necessary step in protecting our community, especially younger viewers,” read the statement.

YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle added to CNN that it will also begin age-restricting content t..

The Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming and other tribal gaming leaders are launching an all-in-one solution for players to self-exclude across the U.S.

Starting in Wisconsin before expanding to other states, the new Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program was founded by the Council and will allow players to voluntarily shut themselves off from all participating tribal casinos in sovereign nations and territories.

The platform will be powered by idPair, whose self-exclusion software is designed to comply with local regulations, protect tribal sovereignty and effectively serve the needs of communities.

“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the health of our people and communities,” saidIvory Kelly, CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming. “By tribes coming together to offer a streamlined process for self-exclusion with a technology partner that shares our values, we help people in our communities who are looking to take a break or stop gambling do so for the am..

A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded there has been a steady rise in people seeking help for sports betting and gambling addiction.

The study analyzed Google searches per 10 million queries that mentioned gambling and addiction and other related terms made from Jan. 1, 2016, through June 30, 2024.

The report, led by researchers from the University of California San Diego and published Feb. 17, found that since the repeal of PASPA in 2018 and the legal sports betting market growing from only Nevada to encompass 38 states by 2024, online searches for help with gambling addiction have increased 23% across the U.S.

The study found there were approximately 6.5 to 7.3 million such searches, with a peak of 180,000 monthly searches.

Online sportsbooks much greater concern than retail, say authors

Breaking it down state-by-state, the data showed that Ohio (67%), Pennsylvania (50%), Massachusetts (47%), Michigan (37%), New York (37%), Il..

Another college basketball program is embroiled in controversy related to sports betting.

According to an ESPN report, the Fresno State men’s basketball program is under investigation by the NCAA and university over alleged illicit betting activity. The investigation has led to the indefinite suspension of two Fresno State players, Jalen Weaver and Zaon Collins. The two athletes are “being withheld from competition as the University reviews an eligibility matter,” according to a statement from Fresno State.

The school and NCAA are also investigating Mykell Robinson, who is no longer a member of the basketball program after transferring from North Texas and two junior colleges.

According to ABC30 Action News, Robinson and Weaver allegedly wagered against the performance of Fresno State’s men’s basketball program for points and rebounds.

As a result of Weaver’s alleged wagering on his own team, the senior from Colorado is expected to be dismissed from the team but remains on the team..

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a cease-and-desist order to BetNow.eu, which offers sports betting, horse racing wagering and online casino games.

A notice on the BetNow.eu website notes that it is licensed and regulated by The Autonomous Island of Anjoun Union of the Comoros. It is not approved as a gaming operator by the MGCB.

The board wrote in a notice that BetNow is breaking state laws including the Lawful Internet Gaming Act,the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act and the Michigan Penal Code. The MGCB also noted that while BetNow offers a wide range of payment options for players to deposit funds, they only become eligible to withdraw funds after wagering their entire initial deposit.

The company has 14 days to go offline in the state before potentially facing further legal action.

“This unlicensed operator not only violates Michigan law but also exposes consumers to significant risks,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “Our job is to protec..