A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that the introduction of casinos in Massachusetts has not led to a surge in problem gambling, contrary to some expectations. 

UMass Research Shows Slight Decrease in Problem Gambling

The findings, presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, indicate that despite the proliferation of gambling opportunities, the prevalence of problem gambling remained relatively stable.

The study, led by Rachel Volberg, a research professor at UMass Amherst, compared data collected before and after the opening of three major casinos in the state. Surprisingly, the results showed that the rate of problem gambling actually decreased slightly from 2% in 2013 to 1.4% in 2021 among the adult population aged 18 and over.

Volberg highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on gambling behavior, noting that restrictions imposed during the pandemic reduced overall gambling activity. However, even before the pandemic, the study found no significant increase in problem gambling despite the establishment of new casinos.

Volberg explained that they had hypothesized that exposure to casinos in neighboring Connecticut might mitigate any potential rise in problem gambling. She added that it was reassuring to see their hypothesis confirmed.

At-Risk Gamblers’ Concerns Highlighted in UMass Study

The study also revealed a decline in out-of-state casino patronage, with only 10.2% of respondents in 2021 reporting gambling outside of Massachusetts, compared to 21.5% in 2013. This suggests that the casinos succeeded in keeping more gambling revenue within the state, as intended by the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act.

However, there are concerns regarding the financial impact on at-risk gamblers, who show signs of potential gambling problems but are not yet classified as problem gamblers. The study noted that the proportion of gambling expenditures coming from at-risk gamblers increased significantly, highlighting the need for early intervention and support mechanisms.

Jordan Maynard, interim chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about available resources for problem gambling. The study found a significant gap in public awareness of support services, indicating a need for improved outreach efforts.

Despite the overall stable rates of problem gambling, public perception of the gambling industry in Massachusetts has shifted. More residents now believe that gambling is too widely available, with 67.5% expressing this concern in 2021 compared to just 15.6% in 2013.

The study, funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, surveyed over 6,000 adults to provide a comprehensive analysis of gambling trends in the state. While the findings offer reassurance regarding problem gambling rates, they also underscore the importance of continued monitoring and proactive measures to address potential harms associated with gambling.

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Sports Information Services (SIS), a leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, has agreed to provide the British operator Spreadex with high-integrity, event-based CS:GO content. As a result, the operator will secure access to many engaging esports events that will appeal to new-gen bettors.

Thanks to the current deal, Spreadex has secured access to two CS:GO 24/7 streams. In total, Spreadex players can expect a whopping 200,000 Competitive Gaming events a year.

SIS’s CS:GO esports suite features high-frequency 2v2 matches between professional players, providing sportsbooks and fans with many betting opportunities. The CS:GO product is a part of SIS’ Competitive Gaming portfolio and complements the supplier’s esoccer and ebasketball simulations, which are already live with Spreadex.

The CS:GO product comes with a rich selection of pre-match and in-play betting markets for fans of esports wagering. Thanks to ultra-low latency live streaming and on-screen graphics with betting prompts, consumers can closely follow the action without missing a beat or wagering opportunity.

SIS Competitive Gaming is notably the only esports betting product to ever earn the Esports Integrity Commission’s Gold Standards, attesting to the supplier’s commitment to integrity. Furthermore, SIS’ CS:GO offering fields referees with ESIC-based training, highlighting the supplier’s commitment to protecting its games from fraud. The skilled referees monitor each game and provide operators and traders with real-time communication.

The Deal Highlights the Value of SIS’ CS:GO Offering

Representatives from the two companies released statements on the new agreement. Spreadex’s head of sports trading, product and operations, Andrew Wallington, said that his team recognizes the importance of providing its audience with a diverse selection of content.

We are always looking to enhance the content that we provide to our audience, and going live with SIS’ CS:GO’s 24/7 offering represents a huge boost to our offering.

Andrew Wallington, head of sports trading, product and operations, Spreadex

He added that his team has a long-standing relationship with SIS that will be enhanced by the current agreement.

Meanwhile, Dave Richardson, SIS’ commercial manager for the UK & Europe, noted that his company’s CS:GO offering is expanding “at a great pace.” He noted that this highlights the value it brings for operators and customers alike.

We are immensely proud to extend our partnership with Spreadex, an operator that fully understands the benefits of adding CS:GO to its sportsbook.

Dave Richardson, commercial manager for the UK & Europe, SIS

A week ago, SIS extended its European market reach through an agreement with Premier Kladionica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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