ASK THE ATTORNEYS: How mobile sports wagering can negatively impact family relationships |
Since the legalization of mobile sports wagering in New York State in 2022, New York has collected billions in taxes from mobile betting.
While New York has allowed legal gambling since 2013, it wasn’t until a federal ban on sports betting in 2018 was struck down that the state began retail sports betting, officially allowing it in July 2019, followed by the initiation of mobile wagering in January 2022. Since New York initially legalized sports wagering, nearly $58 billion in bets have been placed.
According to the New York State Gaming Commission, sports wagering revenue is taxed at 51% with all funds providing aid to education to New York’s public schools, except:
• $5 million annually to fund sports programs for underserved youths (administered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services), and
• $6 million annually to fund problem gambling education and treatment (administered by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports).
Despite the praise Governor Kathy Hochul has received for generating significant funds for education and youth sports via mobile betting, a more troubling statistic has emerged.
The New York State Gaming Commission reported a 26% increase in problem gambling-related calls during the first year of mobile betting. While many of these calls related to financial troubles, there are also emotional and relational consequences. Addiction to sports wagering can damage families, strain marriages and harm mental health in ways that no revenue figure can justify.
Early research suggested sports gambling caused a 28% jump in bankruptcies, a 14% drop in household investment and a dramatic increase in domestic violence.
Family conflict often arises when traditional addiction-related behaviors appear, such as lying, stealing, or concealing financial losses. The emotional and financial pressure of living with someone addicted to sports betting can lead to frequent confrontation, which may escalate into separation or divorce. These conflicts can create a toxic home environment that undermines a parent’s ability to care for their children.
Family........