I don't understand why we couldn't at least have put restrictions on the advertising like with cigarettes. Following sports just feels slimy now, gambling promotion has permeated every part of the game, broadcast, talk radio, online forums, etc.
The thing I'm curious about is how much would it impact sports podcasting/etc if they clamped down on the gambling advertising. And to be clear I'm not saying that is a reason not to clamp down, just anytime I watch any podcast about sports there is all but guaranteed to be at least one ad for a major sports betting site. Plus how much of the new TV deals for various major league sports in the US was driven by the expected sports gambling ad revenue during the games.
In small print, that most people don't bother to read or don't have time to read.
It's probably included because some states require it and it's easy to just make one commercial. For example, Virginia 11VAC5-70-240.B "Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials shall include a responsible gaming message, which includes, at a minimum, a director-approved problem gambling helpline number and an assistance and prevention message, except as otherwise permitted by the director for certain mediums such as social media messages. "
In other rich states, you can do everything with a little bit of money, just pricy. In poor states, they're often theocratic and tightly regulate things but you can still do everything with a little bit of money.
Virginia on the other hand, wealthy various economic drivers and still regulate everything fun out of existence in the least entertaining way possible. Winning the prize of worst state in the union.
