Vox.com article claims America made a mistake legalising gambling

A new article published on Vox.com makes the claim that the United States made a huge blunder by legalizing online gambling in large parts of the country. I'm interested to hear what other people think about this conclusion, particularly from gamblers based in the USA. The article is quite long so here's a basic summary in case you don't have time to read the whole thing...

The article delves into the specific concerns around sports betting during March Madness, which is a popular college basketball tournament in the United States. The article notes that the tournament generates significant interest and betting activity, with some estimates suggesting that Americans bet billions of dollars on the tournament each year. That number might even be higher than that estimate because many gamblers in the USA sports bet anonymously with stablecoins like Tether or BTC.

While sports betting has become more widely accepted and legal in many states, the article highlights the potential risks associated with gambling, including addiction, financial problems, and other negative consequences. The article notes that online sports betting, in particular, may pose additional risks due to its ease of access and the potential for individuals to engage in impulsive or risky behaviour.

The article also discusses the need for greater regulation and consumer protections for online sports betting, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young adults and those with gambling problems. It doesn't address the issue that many punters gamble anonymously at offshore sportsbooks like Bovada which caters for U.S. citizens. The article notes that some states have taken steps to address these concerns, such as requiring online sportsbooks to offer responsible gambling tools and resources but more needs to be done to ensure that individuals are not harmed by online sports betting.

Overall, the article highlights the potential risks and concerns associated with sports betting, particularly during high-profile events like March Madness, and emphasizes the need for greater regulation and consumer protections to ensure that individuals are not harmed by online sports betting.