Responsible Gaming Program Launches in Vermont

It has been revealed that Vermont has launched a responsible sports betting program on the back of the legalization of sports betting earlier this year. The program has been launched by the Vermont Department of Mental Health and it aims to help those who suffer from gambling addiction and need a helping hand.

Although there are no tribal or commercial casinos in the state, online sports betting was launched there at the start of this year. Three operators kicked off sports betting in Vermont, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. The sports betting bill from 2023 did allow for up to six operators, but only three applied.

A Range of Support Offered

Betting addiction has become an issue in many states where sports wagering is legal, and many have put programs and resources into place to help those with a problem.

The state’s Department of Health now has a website page called ‘Problem Gambling Resources’, and those who require help can access a range of support.

Dr. Kelley Klein, the medical director of the state Mental Health Department, said,

The website provides details of a helpline that people can call if they need support with their gambling addiction, and this is available around the clock. Referrals for therapy can also be made via the helpline.

There are also educational resources that people with a gambling issue can access via the website, and this provides details about the signs of gambling issues and links to various resources that offer support.

An Increase in Addiction

According to officials from the Vermont Department of Mental Health, the legalization of sports betting in the state has led to an increase in gambling addiction. Officials from the department have estimated that over 11,000 people in the state could be suffering from addiction, but some might not even realize it.

Dr. Klein said that she believed the new helpline and additional resources could make a huge positive difference to those who require help and support. She said that online sports betting was on mobile phones, so if someone needed help, they could just do this through their phone.

She added that those who were unsure whether they had a gambling problem could also get support from the helpline and resources, as there would be professionals to offer advice. This could help some people deal with their gambling issues in the earlier stages rather than waiting for a full-on gambling addiction.

Free training sessions are also being offered by the mental health department in the state. These are aimed at members of the public who want to gain a better understanding of gambling addiction, what the signs are, and how to deal with this type of addiction. This includes advice on self-exclusion, seeking treatment, or talking to loved ones about the issues.