Colorado to introduce measures against bettor abuse of athletes
The Division of Gaming says the initiative aims to strengthen responsible gambling and protect sports from harassment.
Key takeaways:
- The Colorado Division of Gaming will introduce measures to address abuse and threats directed at athletes by sports bettors, the agency confirmed on November 12.
- Athletes and team staff increasingly face abusive messages from bettors on social media, often following gambling losses.
- Some proposals would also prevent people who harass or threaten athletes from attending sporting events.
US.- The Colorado Division of Gaming will introduce measures to address abuse and threats directed at athletes by sports bettors. The agency confirmed the decision on Thursday, November 12, and held a rulemaking workshop on additions to Rule 29, Section 30-2907.
The issue has gained attention across amateur and professional sports due to athletes and team staff facing abusive messages from bettors on social media. Attacks following gambling losses have included personal threats against athletes and their families.
Authorities and industry stakeholders across the US are considering different ways to respond. Proposed measures include referring offenders to law enforcement and imposing involuntary gambling exclusions. Some suggest individuals who harass or threaten athletes should also be banned from attending sporting events.
Meanwhile, A recent study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) found that 7 per cent of sports bettors in Colorado who took part in a preliminary study reported serious gambling problems. There was a 2 per cent higher rate of problem gambling among women, but researchers have not determined the reasons for the difference.
The UNLV research also explores how advertising may influence betting behaviour. Among participants, 37.5 per cent watched at least part of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, while 59.4 per cent reported seeing sportsbook advertising at least once during the final week of the tournament.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Why do bettors abuse athletes? The text says abusive messages from bettors often follow gambling losses and can include personal threats against athletes and their families. The issue has gained attention across amateur and professional sports, with athletes and team staff facing abuse on social media.
- How common is problem gambling among Colorado sports bettors? A preliminary UNLV study found that 7 per cent of Colorado sports bettors who took part reported serious gambling problems. It surveyed 500 randomly selected residents, and 4 per cent of those surveyed bet on sports. The study was led by Shane Kraus
