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New Study Links Sports Gambling with Alcohol-related Risks Over Time

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that sports gambling frequency and alcohol-related problems are strongly associated over time, reinforcing concerns about the potential health risks of concurrent gambling and drinking behaviors.
The study, funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), analyzed data from over 4300 U.S. adults over two years. Researchers found that while alcohol-related problems slightly decreased over time, fluctuations in sports gambling frequency were closely tied to changes in alcohol-related harms. These findings suggest that individuals who engage in both activities may be at heightened risk of developing problematic drinking behaviors.
“These results emphasize the need for screening and intervention strategies targeting sports gamblers who also drink. It is quite likely that these behaviors are interacting in such a way that may increase the risks associated with both. Given the increasing accessibility of sports gambling in the U.S., understanding the health implications of these behaviors is critical,” said lead author Dr. Joshua B. Grubbs of the University of New Mexico.
The ICRG, the largest independent funder of gambling research in the US, has supported multiple studies aimed at understanding the risks associated with sports wagering. Dr. Grubbs’ latest research builds on his extensive body of work, which has resulted in 12 peer-reviewed publications examining gambling behaviors, addiction risks, and responsible gambling strategies. Supported by ICRG funding, his studies have significantly contributed to the understanding of these critical issues.
Among prior ICRG-supported findings:
• Sports bettors are at a higher risk for addiction than other gambling groups, with a strong connection to binge drinking. (JAMA Network Open, 2024)
• Impulsivity is a key predictor of high-risk gambling behaviors, underscoring the need for targeted intervention strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2024)
• Responsible gambling strategies must be tailored to different types of sports betting, as not all forms carry the same level of risk. (Journal of Gambling Studies, 2024)
• Marginalized communities face unique gambling challenges, requiring culturally sensitive harm-reduction strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2023)
“As sports gambling continues to expand, research like this is essential for understanding the broader public health implications. ICRG remains committed to funding rigorous, independent studies that contribute to evidence-based solutions for responsible gambling,” said Art Paikowsky, President of ICRG.
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Plaza Hotel & Casino to celebrate Fourth of July with a holiday edition of its free Welcome to the Weekend Friday Fireworks

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will celebrate the Fourth of July with a bigger and brighter version of its weekly Welcome to the Weekend Friday Firework Show. As in past years, it will be the only Fourth of July fireworks show in downtown Las Vegas, and it is free to view.
Staged from the top of the Plaza’s South Tower on Friday, July 4, at 9:15 p.m., the public can watch the fireworks for free from in front of the Plaza on Main Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic for viewing the fireworks from Carson Avenue to Ogden Avenue. Guests can also watch the fireworks from a free viewing party on the Plaza’s rooftop pool deck. Doors open for the rooftop viewing party at 7 p.m.
Also on July 4, the Plaza will host a Buffalo wing eating contest at Carousel Bar at 6 p.m. Inspired by the popular Buffalo wing eating competitions in Philadelphia, qualifying “Wing Offs” and the championship “Wing Bowl”, the July 4 contest will be a qualifying event for the Plaza’s main Wing Bowl event on Feb. 7, 2026. The Plaza will award $1,000 to the person who eats the most Buffalo wings in 10 minutes on July 4. The first and second place eaters will qualify for the Plaza’s Wing Bowl in February.
Carousel Bar and the rooftop pool will also feature special summertime cocktails. The rooftop fireworks viewing party will feature three specialty cocktails: a margarita with Casamigos Blanco Tequila and Cointreau Orange Liqueur, the “Cruiser & Captain” with Sun Cruiser Iced Tea, vodka, and a shot of Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime Rum, and the “You Call It” featuring Captain Morgan Sweet Chili Lime Rum.
The Plaza’s fireworks will be dependent on weather conditions and are subject to change or cancellation.
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EDGE Boost Launches Social Accountability Program, Adding Peer-based Accountability to its Roster of Responsible Gaming Tools

EDGE Markets, the company behind EDGE Boost, one of the first debit cards designed specifically for responsible gaming, announced the launch of its newest responsible gaming feature: a co-pilot system for social accountability. Through the EDGE Boost platform, users can nominate trusted friends or family to receive weekly reports of their transactions and participate in real-time limit adjustments, creating a shared commitment to more responsible play.
Social accountability leans on a core behavioral insight that accountability works best when it comes from someone you know, not a faceless platform or app. Early adoption of the co-pilot system has already exceeded expectations with 7% of EDGE Boost users enabling the feature, far surpassing the industry standard of 1-2% adoption for similar, operator-based responsible gaming tools.
“The reason why the co-pilot feature has been so successful is peer involvement. Social accountability is why having a gym buddy works. By involving a buddy in your betting lifestyle, one is set up even better for responsible play. We have always said that EDGE Boost’s mission is to provide a safer and more responsible environment for users to engage with gaming and we know social accountability is doing just that,” said Seni Thomas, Founder and CEO of EDGE Boost.
Co-pilots will receive weekly snapshots of a user’s EDGE Boost transactions. If a user attempts to raise their deposit or spending limits, a co-pilot must enter a verification code before the change can take effect.
The new feature aligns with the American Gambling Association’s (AGA) evolving Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct. Social accountability also helps foster responsible gaming by avoiding punitive approaches and reducing negative stigma.
The co-pilot feature is now live and available to all EDGE Boost users.
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Matt Holt Joins nVenue as Advisor and Board Observer

nVenue, the industry-leading B2B enterprise platform providing predictive data analytics for leagues, media, and gaming, announced the appointment of Matt Holt to the Company’s board. Holt brings over 15 years of experience in the sports and gaming industries and has been an instrumental figure in the development of U.S. sports betting.
“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to the nVenue team. His deep operational experience and extensive network of relationships in the sports and gaming industry will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business,” said Quinton Singleton, President & COO of nVenue.
Holt is founder and served as Chief Executive Officer for U.S. Integrity, where he led development of sports integrity for professional and collegiate sporting leagues across the US.
“I am excited to join nVenue at such a pivotal time in the company’s growth. nVenue is the industry-leading provider of live and micro market products, and their innovative technology is revolutionizing the way leagues and the global gaming industry pivot into the high growth sector of real-time engagement in sports. I look forward to working with the team to expand in the U.S. and international markets,” said Holt.
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