MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The first round of March Madness took place last night with Missouri vs. Utah State and Arizona State vs. Princeton, however, gambling especially around this time of year will see a bigger crowd since Michigan’s legalization of online gambling in 2021.
The MDHHS says that due to its increased accessibility online, the door to influencing those behaviors becomes even greater. “One of the things that we have to recognize too is that gambling is a socially accepted fun recreational activity for most and sports is America’s pastime, so now we’re marrying the two. So the heightened activity, the excitement, the engagement, all of those things lend to the increase or exacerbated gambling activity,” said MDHSS Gambling Disorder Specialist Alia Lucas.
The MDHHS does have a helpline (800-270-7117) for people who may be struggling with a gambling disorder, providing crisis intervention and referring them to more help if necessary.
“Being mindful of the increased accessibility in gambling because now it’s available on your phone on your computer you don’t have to necessarily have to leave your home so you wanna pay attention to things such as an excessive amount of time on your electronic device,” continued Lucas.
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