Colorado Division of Gaming proposes measures against bettor abuse of athletes
Regulation1 min read
Colorado's Division of Gaming said on 12 November that it will introduce measures addressing threats and abuse directed at athletes by sports bettors. Proposals include referrals to law enforcement and involuntary gambling exclusions, while some would bar people who harass or threaten athletes from sporting events.
Colorado's Division of Gaming said on 12 November it would introduce measures to address threats and abuse from sports bettors towards athletes. The division said the initiative was intended to strengthen responsible gambling and protect sports from harassment.
Proposed measures include referrals to law enforcement and involuntary gambling exclusions. Some proposals would bar people who harass or threaten athletes from sporting events. The division held a rulemaking workshop on additions to Rule 29, Section 30-2907.
Bettors have increasingly sent abusive social media messages to athletes and team staff, often after losing wagers. Some attacks after gambling losses have included personal threats to athletes and their families.
Serious gambling problems were reported by 7% of participating Colorado sports bettors in a preliminary University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) study. Of the 500 randomly selected residents surveyed, 4% bet on sports. Shane Kraus led the study. The rate of problem gambling was 2% higher among women, though researchers had not established why.
Advertising’s potential influence on betting behaviour is also being examined in the UNLV research. Of the participants, 37.5% watched at least some of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, while 59.4% said they saw sportsbook ads at least once in the tournament’s final week.