Gambling in the USA

Gambling Addiction and COVID-19

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2022

Over 2 percent of Americans suffer from gambling addiction according to a recent report by the National Council on Problem Gambling. This is a cause for concern especially during the COVID-19 crisis which worsens mental health issues in the general population, including increasing engagement in addictive behaviors.

Not only does the pandemic increase gambling behavior among those affected by problem gambling, but it also increases the occurrence of new cases. Its impact on financial and psychological well-being in conjunction with changes in gambling markets during the pandemic raises concerns, calling for research initiatives in the area and preventive regulatory measures by stakeholders.

A web survey addressing a general population sample showed a statistically significant difference between gamblers and people who do not gamble in age but not in education, and a higher level of perceived stress, distress, and hostility in both chronic and new gamblers compared to those who did not report gambling behavior. A consistent proportion of business owners and unemployed individuals reported problem gambling during the lockdown period.

Gambling Addiction Help Guide

A lot of persons with gambling addiction mostly try to conceal their condition, but an addiction can be hard to hide. If you have a gambling addiction, you may feel that you need constant access to online gambling pools or casinos, and feel an uncontrollable urge to play slot machines, buy lottery tickets, visit casinos, or gamble online. Even if you gamble at home when no one is around as some people tend to do, your addiction may start to present itself in certain other areas of your life.

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Gambling Addiction Signs and Symptoms

The individual:

Feels that gambling is the best option to escape problems.
Always gets preoccupied with gambling (i.e. thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble even after incurring so much debt, reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture).
Gets defensive when confronted about his/her gambling habits and they become very secretive about it.
Relies on others to relieve a serious financial situation caused by gambling, by bailing him or her out.
Tries unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
Becomes very irritable and restless when not gambling.
Tries to fix losses with more gambling.
Lies to family and others about the impact of gambling.
Loses relationships and jeopardizes jobs, education or career opportunities all because of gambling.
Commits unspeakable crimes to finance the gambling urges.
Increases bet amounts when gambling in order to achieve the desired excitement.

10 important rules to follow as a gambler

If you choose to gamble, do so only for entertainment purposes. If enjoyment is no longer the sole purpose of your gambling, then there’s a need to reflect and ask yourself why you are still playing.
Always treat the money lost as the cost of your entertainment, and any winnings as a bonus.
Set money limits and stick to it. Decide before you go, how much you want to spend and what you can afford to lose. At no point should you change your mind after losing.
Set a time limit and stick to it. Decide how much of your time you want to allow for gambling and be strict about it. Whether you’re winning or losing, leave when you reach the time limit.
Expect to lose. The general odds are that you will lose.
Make it a personal rule not to gamble on credit. Never use borrowed money to gamble.
Create a balance between gambling and other aspects of your life. Gambling should not affect your relationship with people or stand in place of family, friends, work or other activities.
Avoid chasing lost money (i.e don’t try to win back money that has been lost). Chances are the more you try to regain your losses, the greater they will get.
Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.
Get educated about the dangers of problem gambling. The more you understand, the better choices you’ll make.

Conclusion

Researchers have called for attention to mental health consequences of the pandemic, including addictive behaviors. With the increasing accessibility of internet gambling and the worsening COVID-19-related stress, problem gambling may potentially be among the health hazards affected by the ongoing crisis and its aftermath. Public prevention efforts and systematic research data collection are warranted.

Find out more about gambling addiction symptoms, facts and help guides here.

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Gambling in the USA

Apache Lonestar Casino Announces Expansion of its facilities

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

Niji Narayan

Apache Lonestar Casino, a premier gaming destination in Devol, Oklahoma, announced an expansion of its facilities, set to enhance the gaming and dining experience for its guests. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, will add more than 2000 square feet of gaming space and introduce additional seating, family dining and new menu options at the popular Lonestar Bar & Grill.

Expanded Gaming Space
The additional 2000+ square feet of gaming space will allow Apache Lonestar Casino to accommodate more gaming options, further solidifying its position as a top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Wichita Falls area. With the current offering of 611 slot machines, 6 blackjack tables, the expansion will introduce new games including Texas Hold ’em ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.

“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to continually improving our offerings and providing more variety and excitement for our guests,” said Kristopher Killsfirst Sr., Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino LLC.

Enhanced Dining at Lonestar Bar & Grill
In addition to the gaming floor expansion, Apache Lonestar Casino is enhancing the dining experience at Lonestar Bar & Grill. The popular restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, will see an increase in seating capacity and family friendly seating. The menu will be expanded to include a wider variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

“The Lonestar Bar & Grill has quickly become a favorite among our guests, and we’re excited to offer even more with this expansion. The additional seating and menu options will ensure that our guests can enjoy a great meal as part of their visit to Apache Lonestar Casino,” said Michael Spell, General Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino.

Gambling in the USA

Detroit Casinos Report $112.5M in August Revenue

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2024

Niji Narayan

The three Detroit casinos reported $112.5 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of August 2024, of which $110.8 million was generated from table games and slots, and $1.7 million from retail sports betting.

The August market shares were:

• MGM, 48%
• MotorCity, 28%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 24%

Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes

The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of August 2024 increased 5.9% when compared to the same month last year. August’s monthly revenue was 4.2% higher when compared to the previous month, July 2024. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue increased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year.

The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results all increased compared to August 2023:

• MGM, up 8.9% to $53.86 million
• MotorCity, up 0.1% to $30.76 million
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 7.4% to $26.18 million

In August 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.97 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $8.47 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $17.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in August.

Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes

The three Detroit casinos reported $9.61 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts were $1.7 million for the month of August. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were up by $1.4 million in August when compared to August 2023, and up by $2.1 million when compared to July 2024.

August QAGR by casino was:

• MGM: $521,529
• MotorCity: $930,952
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $241,045

During August, the casinos paid $64,015 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $78,241 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Gambling in the USA

State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.

The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.

When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.

“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.

This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.

The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.