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by Nick Oudhoff, WSBT Reporter
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SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — Many local casinos and sports betting rooms will be full of fans gambling on games.
The college basketball tournament is here and local sports fans are ready to place big money on games.
Officials with Four Winds Casino remind people about responsible gambling.
With the next four days full of college hoops for both men and women, sports betting will be in full force.
March is recognized for college hoops, it's also recognized as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, with sports betting one of the focal points.
Four Winds Casino COO Mary Smith says all staff members are trained to recognize gambling addictions.
"We continue to evaluate and improve on our mandatory employee training programs aimed at educating our employees on the spectrum of gambling disorders, recognition of behaviors, and how to provide resources to our guests. A healthy and informed community should be everyone’s goal.”
Greg Small, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, said in the state annual report from 2024 that sports wagering taxes increased almost eight percent in 2024 from previous years.
Last year, total wagering in Indiana was around $4.74 billion.
All Four Winds Casino locations include printed brochures regarding signs of a gambling addiction.
Zinnia Health in South Bend reminds sports betters of when enough is enough.
"Responsible gambling means knowing when to walk away, especially during high-energy events like March Madness. Betting should be for fun or entertainment, not a way to chase losses, escape stress, or change how you feel. If you find yourself gambling more than you planned, it’s time to get help."
Americans are expected to wager more than three million dollars this year on March Madness.
The National Survey on Gambling Attitudes says sports bettors reported needing to gamble more each bet four out of five times.
All organizations say it’s okay to walk away from a sports bet online or in-person.
Four Winds Casino officials say they emphasize responsible gambling not only during March but year-round at all Four Winds Locations.
Additionally, the Indiana Gaming Commission conducts outreach and provides access to resources to help address problem gambling.
The IGC hosts a Problem Gaming webpage that features information on the signs of problem gambling, along with an online self-assessment test, and links to resources to help address gambling addiction.
Indiana statute provides for a voluntary exclusion program, in which a person may sign up at any Indiana casino, at the IGC office in Indianapolis, or with a designated problem gambling treatment provider or online via the IGC’s website for one year, five years or lifetime exclusion. This program is funded by appropriates through the Indiana state legislature.
The Indiana Internet Self-Restriction Program (ISRP) also enables individuals to request to be barred from participating in licensed mobile sports wagering in Indiana.
