NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) - NFL season is kicking off tonight.
Football fans are ready, but that also comes with a warning from the state.
Young men are the most vulnerable to sports gambling.
For years, it was a trip to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or a local bookie that allowed gamblers from CT to place their bets.
Now, sports gambling is right at your finger tips, and the ads are everywhere.
“I like parlays. Those have the most bang for your buck. You put a little bit on it and hopefully get the rush of I win,” said Nolan Tomaszycki, SCSU Senior. “You just craft up a little parlay and see if it hits. Don’t put a lot of money on it. That’s how it gets bad.”
Spend a few minutes on a college campus and it’s not too hard to find sports fans who like to put down a wager or two.
“It makes me more invested in the game,” said Matt Montanez, SCSU.
Sporting a DraftKings hat, Matt Montanez likes to place a bet or two with the online gaming app.
“I’m a big Giants fan,” said Montanez. “Maybe some bets here and there.”
Connecticut legalized sports betting four years ago.
Sports betting is legal in 39 states and Washington, D.C., with companies spending billions to attract users.
As the NFL kicks off tonight, bettors are expected to wager approximately $30 billion on pro football this season.
Nearly half of men ages 18-49 are into sports gambling.
A study this spring from the University of Connecticut found 72% of undergrads in CT gambled in the past year.
According to the findings, while less than 1% have been diagnosed with or received help for a gambling disorder, 8% responded with answers that met the traditional definition of “serious problem gambling.”
“One of my friends bets a lot. He lost a lot of money. It’s not really good to bet like that,” said Astrit Asani, SCSU Freshman.
Dr. Andre Newfield is a psychiatrist with Hartford Healthcare and is on staff at Quinnipiac University’s medical school.
“It’s so accessible. It’s hard to know, because people set up these online accounts. Until its a major problem, it’s just brewing in the background. It’s sort of acceptable in society, where it doesn’t raise any red flags. When it becomes a major issue, all of a sudden people are surprised. It can be a really tough situation,” said Dr Andre Newfield, Hartford Healthcare.
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling encourages everyone to play responsibly by setting limits and reaching out for support if needed.
“We know that the most vulnerable right now are 18 to early to mid 20s, mostly male demographic,” Dr, Newfield said.
Dr. Newfield says signs to look for include changes in bank accounts and people who are suddenly not sleeping or who become easily irritated.
“If it’s a younger person or someone still in school, their grades may be changing, attendance may be dropping off, and they may not be performing the way they used to. The same goes for work,” Dr. Newfield said.
As for Montanez, he says he knows his limit and advises his friends to do the same.
“When I see some heavy parlays going on, it’s, ‘Are you sure about that?’ I’m very cautious. I talk to them. Make sure you understand the bet your placing before you ever do it,” Montanez said.
If you or somebody you know needs help, the number for the 24/7 hotline from the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling is 1 888-789-7777.
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