INDIANA (WLFI)—Indiana's a new partner on the team when it comes to sports betting and as of Thursday, you can gamble from the convenience of any mobile device.
"We were one of the first states that implemented it after the federal government allowed states to have sports betting,” said Indiana State Senator Ron Alting.
Sports betting was legalized in the State of Indiana on July first of this year. Although Hoosiers can now bet on their favorite sports team anywhere.
State officials believe that with strong monitoring and regulations it could benefit the state financially.
"What this does now is it makes it legal and it goes through a certain source” said Alting.” “Fourteen different sources in Indiana and it's taxed."
State Senator Ron Alting was instrumental in passing the law that made sports betting legal specifically with mobile devices. He said it'll be difficult for someone to abuse the hobby.
"The gaming commission will tell you what games you can bet on,” said Alting. “There will be no foul play in it. It'll be above board."
Some people like Executive Director Christina Gray with the Indiana Council On Problem Gambling still have reservations.
"They can do it from their home,” said Gray. “They can do it if they are out to dinner or if they are at a sports bar."
Gray said mobile sports betting could feed the addiction many people have with gambling.
"The probability of it increasing the number of problem gamblers is pretty good,” said Gray.
Gray said right now the percentage of responsible gamblers is higher than those addicted but that could change.
"95% of the people can gamble responsibly,” said Gray. “There's one percent that we feel is pathological and that means it affects all aspects of their lives."
Gray said there are ways to know if someone you know is addicted to gambling.
1. They spend a lot of time gambling. Gray said they may miss work often, ignoring and missing other obligations.
2. They hide their losses. Gray said those addicted to gambling will celebrate their winnings but will not bring up how much they’ve lost.
3. They suffer from mood swings. Gray said often times they’ll become anxious or angry, out of nowhere.
4. They increase their bets. This is what they call “chasing” it’s the mindset that more gamblers should bet more to make up for losses.
She also said gamblers use gambling as an outlet for other problems they may face in their personal lives.
Gray said the Indiana Gaming Commission and the Indiana Council On Problem Gambling provide resources and treatment options for those who are addicted or think they are addicted to gambling.
