Responsible Gambling News: Player Safety Updates

International Responsible Gaming Day on 17 February spotlights safer gambling measures, support services and industry responsibility.

The Mississippi House has passed HB 1581, which would expand the state’s retail sports betting market to include mobile wagering. It is the second consecutive term a bill has passed the House, but hurdles remain in the Senate.

Television gambling adverts aired during live World Cup matches increased betting frequency and likelihood, with researchers warning current UK ad rules may be insufficient.

The New York Attorney General issued a consumer warning over prediction markets ahead of Super Bowl LX. She reminded the public that the industry lacks solid regulation and is exploiting a loophole to offer sports betting.

BetMGM updated its terms and conditions to include a section on athlete harassment. It states that it will suspend or permanently ban bettors who harass athletes over lost wagers. The change comes ahead of the Winter Olympics and NCAA Tournament.

The NCPG has announced the launch of its new 1-800-MY-RESET nationwide problem gambling hotline. The new resources will replace the non-profit’s former 1-800-GAMBLER number, which another problem gambling group in New Jersey now operates.

A new GambleAware synthesis report shows how the ‘Let’s Open Up About Gambling’ campaign helped drive engagement, change behaviour and highlight persistent stigma, offering recommendations for future harm-reduction efforts.

The Gambling Commission’s 2024–25 annual report details a year of enforcement activity, regulatory reform and operational change as the regulator prepares for the next phase of gambling oversight.

There are growing fears about what is driving the rise of sports prediction markets, which may be due to the lower minimum age requirement. The industry has set the age at 18, while more sportsbooks have theirs at 21.

The battle unfolding in Illinois between sportsbooks and lawmakers is driving up fees for bettors. It led many casual bettors to stop wagers, but those who stayed are spending more. That’s led to questions around how those struggling with addiction have reacted.