The issue of gambling addiction is now discussed by many: all market players are worried about possible negative consequences and implement ways to cope with the problem. Self-exclusion tools like GamStop have already been proven efficient in this case, as they provide a complete ban on betting and gambling websites for the chosen period. However, the program is only available for UK-based platforms. Therefore, it doesn’t cover casinos and sportsbooks operating beyond the UKGC license.
BetMGM
GamStop Analogues for Non-UKGC Betting Platforms
Luckily, alternative self-exclusion programs are available for players and punters. NonStop sports betting with no GamStop is extremely popular among US residents: according to statistics, around 19% of the adult American population place their predictions on football events. The betting industry has been experiencing rapid evolution during the past few years.
At the same time, risks have also grown – around 1% of the entire country’s population suffers from gambling addiction. Self-exclusion programs are among the most efficient tools to cope with the disorder. While GamStop is unavailable for US punters, they can take advantage of GameSense. This self-exclusion program was implemented in 2019; it accepts problem players around the US and offers qualified assistance in treating the disorder.
Pittsburgh Steelers Impact on Promoting Responsible Gambling
At first glance, it seems that sports teams don’t benefit from promoting responsible gambling tools for sports fans, as fewer users would place bets. It’s not a secret that different football clubs collaborate with bookmakers, promoting them. In this case, a decrease in the number of punters will lead to reduced profits. However, this is not the case when talking about responsible gambling practices.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are the real icons for many people, and they can directly influence their fans’ opinions and actions. Therefore, promoting the responsible betting on Steelers approach is beneficial for athletes, as they can improve the overall people’s well-being. Increasing user awareness about the possible negative consequences and providing addicts with ways of coping with the problem is critical.
Douglas DeFelice / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers offense takes the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL.
Collaborations of Pittsburgh Steelers with GameSense
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission launched the GameSense program in 2019, but it lacked popularity among gamblers and punters. In September 2023, MGM Resorts operator announced their goal to promote a responsible approach to betting activities. The company has chosen nine locations, including Acrisure Stadium, home to the Steelers.
Currently, the club is involved in informing users of healthy gambling behaviors. In addition, MGM also aims to invest over $1 million in various initiatives, providing support and treatment for people affected by addiction.
Benefits of Steelers’ Engagement in Self-Exclusion
Such loud collaborations are beneficial in terms of football fans’ awareness of the harmful outcomes of excessive betting. Athletes are the primary influencers for millions of Americans, so they would possibly consider their icons’ opinions and research the topic. Therefore, the main benefits Steelers get from such a collaboration include:
- Increasing popularity of the team in the US and beyond
- Promoting important responsible gambling initiatives
- Encouraging people not to ignore the problem
It’s worth noting that GameSense doesn’t completely restrict gaming activities: the tool was first designed to motivate punters to make informed decisions and develop self-control. Therefore, the Steelers don’t say, “Don’t bet on our team.” Instead, they encourage users to bet responsibly, set limits, and seek help if necessary.
Drawbacks of Partnering with GameSense
The latest initiative also has significant disadvantages for the Pittsburgh Steelers. First and foremost, the team will hardly get any loud gambling sponsorships in the near future. Many operators won’t collaborate with athletes who promote self-exclusion programs. Therefore, the club will lose a part of their income.
On the other hand, GameSense can also negatively affect the brand. Many users consider self-exclusion programs problematic and ignore joining them even in case of addiction. In this case, fans may be disappointed in the team and miss the following Steelers matches. However, the importance of this collaboration outweighs the drawbacks, so we are confident the team has done everything right.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Final Insight
Increasing user awareness of compulsive gambling and its consequences is essential, and responsible authorities implement all the available means to promote a responsible approach. The latest MGM resort initiative in advertising the importance of self-exclusion programs is among the best solutions to cope with the problem. Collaboration with the Steelers and other famous teams will attract more attention to this issue and will possibly help to reduce the rate of betting-addicted people in the US and beyond.
