By Bizna Brand Analyst
Let’s face it. There are just too many betting sites out there now. We’re being saturated by gambling companies left right and center. When will it stop? We’re becoming a mini Las Vegas. Jackpot started this whole thing where people want to make an instant killing and get skins and money for themselves. Suddenly everyone dreams of winning big money and the popularity of football betting has increased dramatically.
There are a lot of companies that are legit but now it’s just way too overboard and there are hundreds. Customers of some betting companies have actually complained of not getting their winnings and being ignored. Just go to the comment sections of social media pages by some betting sites and you will see.
The market has become very competitive very quickly, with many operators trying to become the biggest and best. Big bonuses for new customers have become commonplace and many betting companies introducing loyalty schemes for their regular customers.
I actually enjoy a gamble, but I know that it can cause huge problems if it’s too out there. My rule of thumb is to only bet with entertainment money, not cash that I may need to pay for food or heating. And I would never borrow to bet.
As a shrewd football follower, I sometimes like to add spice to the season by having the odd punt. A little bet can indeed make a game matter, make a try capable of getting you jumping off your couch or a crucial penalty feel like a high-speed rollercoaster of emotion.
But even I have to admit though, the gambling sites and advertising everywhere is getting a bit out of hand. Each time I am following a game on the television, I feel like I am being bombarded with new gambling promotions of sites I had never heard of before.
Sports betting brands appear to be highly embedded in our sporting community culture and are becoming a normal part of social conversations, particularly surrounding EPL games.
So what’s my problem with the growth of these sites or ads? The are not illegal after all. First is the fact that the presence of too many gambling options can fuel addiction. A fun flutter can be the start of serious financial problems and lead to a devastating spiral of depression and debt
An entire generation could be growing up to think betting on an event is necessary for it to be enjoyable. It also heightens the risk of people developing gambling addictions, causing all manner of social and financial problems across the country.
Gambling and sport should be separated. Let’s get back to watching live sports events without the inclusion of gambling odds. We need to send a message to the younger generation that gambling is not part of the game.
Too many betting sites makes this activity available to too many people. Governments and betting companies portray this as a harmless form of entertainment. And because of the availability of legalized gambling, it is more addictive and destructive than most other addictions.
Furthermore, most citizens would not gamble illegally. Legalized gambling, therefore, entices people to gamble, who normally would not gamble at all. In weekends with different numbers of games, participation rates increase steadily and sharply as the number of legal types of gambling increases. It’s just a fact that not many people know how to bet responsibly.
if we are going to increase the betting sites, let’s also champion the message of gambling responsibly. Every player in this field should be required by law to offer disclaimers and conduct betting education programs to prevent betting addiciton.
Note: the above sentiments are those of the author and not if Bizna as a whole.