A new longitudinal study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that sports gambling frequency and alcohol-related problems are strongly associated over time, reinforcing concerns about the potential health risks of concurrent gambling and drinking behaviors.

The study, funded by the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), analyzed data from over 4,300 U.S. adults over two years. Researchers found that while alcohol-related problems slightly decreased over time, fluctuations in sports gambling frequency were closely tied to changes in alcohol-related harms. These findings suggest that individuals who engage in both activities may be at heightened risk of developing problematic drinking behaviors.

“These results emphasize the need for screening and intervention strategies targeting sports gamblers who also drink,” said lead author Dr. Joshua B. Grubbs of the University of New Mexico. “It is quite likely that these behaviors are interacting in such a way that may increase the risks associated with both. Given the increasing accessibility of sports gambling in the U.S., understanding the health implications of these behaviors is critical.”

The ICRG, the largest independent funder of gambling research in the United States, has supported multiple studies aimed at understanding the risks associated with sports wagering. Dr. Grubbs’ latest research builds on his extensive body of work, which has resulted in 12 peer-reviewed publications examining gambling behaviors, addiction risks, and responsible gambling strategies. Supported by ICRG funding, his studies have significantly contributed to the understanding of these critical issues.

Among prior ICRG-supported findings:

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• Sports bettors are at a higher risk for addiction than other gambling groups, with a strong connection to binge drinking. (JAMA Network Open, 2024)
• Impulsivity is a key predictor of high-risk gambling behaviors, underscoring the need for targeted intervention strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2024)
• Responsible gambling strategies must be tailored to different types of sports betting, as not all forms carry the same level of risk. (Journal of Gambling Studies, 2024)
• Marginalized communities face unique gambling challenges, requiring culturally sensitive harm-reduction strategies. (Addictive Behaviors, 2023)

“As sports gambling continues to expand, research like this is essential for understanding the broader public health implications,” said Art Paikowsky, President at ICRG. “ICRG remains committed to funding rigorous, independent studies that contribute to evidence-based solutions for responsible gambling.”

This study is part of an ongoing effort to assess gambling behaviors over time. Additional papers from this dataset are currently under peer review.

The Arizona Department of Gaming (“ADG”) has received inquiries from patrons seeking to verify the legitimacy of companies that are issuing tax forms for gambling winnings. As a result, the ADG wants to take this opportunity to remind Arizonans to be cautious this tax season and to thoroughly review and investigate any requests from anyone purporting to be the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).

The ADG would like to remind Arizonans that if they participate in casino gambling, parimutuel/simulcast wagering, event wagering, and/or fantasy sports, they may receive a W-2G or 1099-MISC form for their winnings. It is important to be aware that the gambling institution that you choose to participate in gaming activities with will be the payor, and the payor is responsible for issuing the tax form. The ADG
advises that Arizonans keep accurate records of any winnings from all gambling activities throughout the year to avoid any confusion during tax season. It is further recommended that Arizonans consult a tax professional if they have any questions about income reporting requirements to ensure they file an accurate tax return.

To help ensure Arizonans are aware of common tax scams, the ADG advises Arizonans to review the
following links and articles on the IRS website discussing common tax scams for 2025:

1. As stated on the IRS website, the IRS will make initial contact with a taxpayer through a letter
   sent via the United States Postal Service. Be wary of anyone purporting to be the IRS or ADG
   contacting you by phone, email, or social media requesting personal or financial information.
2. If you receive a letter from someone purporting to be the IRS, you can verify that the letter is
   legitimate through the IRS website.
3. Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats.
4. Misleading social media advice leads to false claims for Fuel Tax Credit, Sick and Family Leave
   Credit, household employment taxes; FAQs help address common questions, next steps for those
   receiving IRS letters.

What to Do If You Encounter Fraud or Identity Theft:

If you believe you or someone you know has been targeted by fraudulent payors or individuals
purporting to be the IRS, file a consumer complaint by visiting azag.gov/consumer. You can also find the
contact information for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office below:

• Phoenix: (602) 542-5763
• Tucson: (520) 628-6648
• Statewide: (800) 352-8431

For more information, check out the Department’s related news releases from this past year:

• ADG PSA: Tips for Safe and Responsible Online Gaming
• Please Remain Vigilant: Department PSA on Gaming Scam Calls

Jackpot.com – the online lottery courier service that allows consumers to order official state lottery tickets on their phone, tablet, or computer – announced today that a $2 million Powerball prize has been won in New York with a ticket ordered using the Jackpot.com website.

The winner is a longtime New York City resident. He served in the Army and had an illustrious career in the music business – both as a musician and as an executive. His ticket matched all five white balls, just missing the red Powerball for the $174 million drawing on August 5. The winner’s $2 million prize was actually a $1 million win that was doubled thanks to the Power Play^Ⓡ feature, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings when you add just $1 to your ticket. It was only after joining Jackpot.com that he discovered this game-changing feature. 

When he first heard about Jackpot.com about a year ago, the main point that caught his attention was how convenient it was to be able to get lottery tickets online – and he’s been a regular customer ever since.  He identifies himself as a spiritual person, and shared that the numbers he chose were inspired by Jewish scripture, where numbers often carry deep symbolic meaning. 

“We are thrilled to congratulate the winner on his incredible $2 million win—the biggest to date in New York through our platform! This monumental win not only highlights the excitement of the lottery but also the ease and convenience our service provides,” said Akshay Khanna, CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com. “With just a few clicks, he was able to secure his ticket online, and today, he’s a millionaire. We’re proud to offer a seamless way for people to participate in these life-changing opportunities from the comfort of their own homes.”

Jackpot.com, which launched in the Empire State last August with investments from the New York Yankees and the Tisch family (co-owners of the New York Giants), allows New Yorkers to order tickets for Powerball, Mega Millions^Ⓡ, Numbers, Win4, Cash4Life, New York Lotto and Pick 10. The innovative and secure courier service purchases tickets on behalf of its customers from official state lottery retailers, displaying a scan of their ticket and transferring winnings of less than $600 in real-time to their account. For prizes of $600 or more, Jackpot.com securely sends the winning ticket to the lucky player so they can collect the winnings from the New York Lottery.

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Jackpot.com has significantly invested in responsible gaming protocols by allowing customers to set spend limits and default limits on daily deposits, all while providing access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior be detected. Jackpot.com is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling.