What is Gambling Addiction and How Common Is It in the U.S.?
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The recent firing of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, has brought new attention to the issue of gambling addiction. Mizuhara was let go after allegations surfaced about his involvement with illegal gambling and theft from Ohtani, who has been his close friend since moving to the U.S. in 2017.
Reports claim Mizuhara had ties to an illegal bookmaker and owed over $1 million. Ohtani’s legal team said he had been a victim of “massive theft.” Mizuhara told ESPN that Ohtani was unaware of his illegal bets on international soccer, the NBA, NFL, and college football, insisting Ohtani was an innocent victim of his friend’s gambling problem.
The law firm representing Ohtani said in a statement that he had been the victim of “massive theft.”
Mizuhara told ESPN this week that Ohtani knew nothing of his illegal wagers on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL and college football. Mizuhara said Ohtani was an innocent victim of his friend’s gambling addiction.
What is Problem Gambling?
The National Council on Problem Gambling defines gambling addiction as a behavior that causes significant harm to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. It’s recognized as a mental health condition, and the council notes that anyone who gambles can be at risk.
Symptoms include constantly thinking about gambling, needing to bet more frequently or in larger amounts, trying to win back lost money (known as “chasing losses”), feeling out of control, and continuing to gamble despite negative impacts.
How Widespread Is It?
The council estimates that about 2.5 million adults in the U.S. have a severe gambling problem, with another 5 to 8 million experiencing mild to moderate issues. The 800-GAMBLER hotline offers help and referrals, and Gamblers Anonymous provides resources and support for those struggling with gambling.
Where is Sports Betting Legal?
Sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed more states to legalize it, a case led by New Jersey. More than 80% of sports bets are placed online through phones or laptops.
At the start of the NCAA college basketball tournament this year, the American Gaming Association estimated that Americans would bet $2.72 billion through legal channels on the tournament alone.
What Are Sports Leagues Doing About Gambling?
Major sports leagues ban their players from gambling and enforce penalties like fines, suspensions, and lifetime bans for violations. One of the most notable cases is baseball star Pete Rose, who was banned for betting on games involving his own team.
Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement includes an annual education program on safety and security issues, including gambling. Interestingly, while these leagues initially opposed the expansion of legal sports betting, they have now partnered with major gambling companies. Many teams and leagues have official betting partners, feature gambling ads, and some have even opened sports books in their stadiums.
Is Betting Legal in California or Japan?
Sports betting is not legal in California, despite several attempts to pass legislation. In Japan, most forms of gambling are banned, though it is permitted for horse racing, motor sports, and public races involving bicycles, power boats, and motorcycles.
