The biggest problem I have with legalized sports betting in Massachusetts - something new for us this year - is how saturated the advertising for it has become on television. You can barely watch a local broadcast without seeing an ad for Draft Kings, Wynn's betting system, or MGM's.
I also detect a strong bit of predatory racial bias in the advertising, using prominent Black athletes and celebrities to hawk the new services.
- replies
- 1
- announces
- 0
- likes
- 1
@MossRC Ours come with a small text disclaimer advising you of what to do if you think you have a gambling problem.
I guess that's government absolution for the ugly side of that sweet sumptuary tax revenue.
@flargh It’s nuts. In town (Boston) the sports betting ads have completely displaced the marijuana delivery service ads
So my take on that is - imagine how much profit you have to be making to be able to displace a pot delivery service, which, whatever you think of pot, is at least providing two services; drugs, and their delivery
Betting is just taking peoples’ money.
@Wraithe One big difference: Despite the heavy advertising, almost no one is making money in cannabis in Massachusetts right now. But these sports betting services rake in sizeable profits since day one.
@flargh The house ALWAYS wins.
and be clear, I enjoy gambling, but I either do it with friends (no house) or in a casino, where I’m being provided with entertainment, an enjoyable environment, etc - ie: I’m getting something back for my money.
We've had a mandated "gamble responsibly" disclaimer at the end of every ad for years, but gambling addiction is still a huge problem here. They're introducing a on ban credit card payments for "in-play" matches now, though, so that's something at least. (We have a casino here that was somehow allowed to keep its licence despite flagrant illegal activity they themselves sanctioned, too. Yay for gambling tax revenue.)