An Alpharetta gambling bust on March 16 2015 prompted a WSB TV, Atlanta Journal and AM 750 Radio search for experts on March Madness sports gambling the role of gambling addiction. The 
bust involved an evening NCAA March Madness gambling event. The Georgia Council on Problem Gambling was asked to provide commentary on the event.
Significance of the Alpharetta Gambling Bust and March Madness
As a gambling neutral organization, that the event was illegal gambling was of lesser relevance to the Council. The true relevance is the role of 2015 March Madness and individuals with a gambling addiction to sports gambling. The council’s mission is to ensure every problem gambler in the state can get the help they need.
March Madness and Sports Gambling Addiction
March Madness is a time of high gambling activity- and arrests. The NFL Superbowl is frequently bet on. But March Madness creates a fast paced, fast action opportunity for sports gambling addiction. It is a unique event for problem sports gamblers. When one tournament game ends another begins 20 minutes later. The gambler can immediately chase their losses from the previous game. A sports gambler may have to wait 3 or 4 days for another opporunity to bet during football season. The action is slower. Fast action March Madness fuels out of control gambling. There are also opportunities for online sports gambling.
March Madness and the Individual In Recovery From Sports Gambling Addiction
The March Madness tournament is a “trigger” for relapse. It is possibly the most common time of relapse regardless of the Alpharetta gambling arrests. Many employers promote and provide incentives for participation in pools and creating “brackets”. Most people participating do NOT have a gambling addiction. For the sports gambling addict, it is important they avoid all activity involving betting. This includes creating a bracket.
Help For a Sports Gambling Addiction
It is the Council’s mission to spread the word that help is available. Call us on our confidential helpline 888-236-4848.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
