KANSAS CITY, Mo. — You may be surprised to hear workplace brackets where money is awarded is technically illegal, but the feds likely aren’t going to bust you over $10 or $20. They’re more focused on the billions illegally bet with sports books.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 70 million brackets, $29-billion worth of wagering, most of it illegal, and you if count Las Vegas, $290-billion, which is double the Super Bowl.
The council says problem gambling affects more than 7 million Americans, and March is especially tough with so many basketball games taking center stage like ones at Sprint Center.
Kevin Bost with the National Council on Gambling says it’s a serious problem not only financially but emotionally. Bost says for some folks the addiction is really a disease.
“It’s something like alcohol,” Bost said. “Some people can have one drink, no problem. Some can’t, it could be a real serious issue, and it’s a disease that can go on traced for a long time.”
The folks at the council created the “Have A Conversation “campaign to raise awareness of prevention treatment and recovery services available. There are free phone numbers and web sites to help.
1-800-522-4700.
