We Now Know How Many People Bet On March Madness in Minnesota

A few nights a week lately, our family has been glued to the TV for one reason - basketball.  I don't have any money on the line but about 70 million Americans are focused on every single shot that is taken from the first game of March Madness all the way to the final game.

How many Minnesotans have some skin in the game?  We now know that answer.

How Many Minnesotans Have Placed A Bet on March Madness Games This Year?

According to the Pioneer Press, over 20 of the players that are showing up on the March Madness court this year are from the great state of Minnesota.  But the number of people who can legally bet on the games for March Madness is even less.

About $3 billion in bets are being made for March Madness this year.  But Minnesota is not seeing any of that cash come through our state.

If you didn't know, Minnesota does not allow sports betting.  Anyone who wants to put a bet on the games has to head to Iowa or have someone in another state take care of that wager for them.

READ MORE: What States Allow Sports Betting?

While no one in our state can legally place a bet on March Madness this year, it doesn't mean that gambling isn't making a huge impact on the residents in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

How Many Minnesotans Are Impacted By Gambling in a Negative Way?

"The elephant in the room" is this...while sports betting isn't legal in Minnesota, it is impacting about 2 million Minnesotans.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services did a study and found out that 250,000 Minnesotans have an addiction to gambling.  The study went further to indicate that for every one person with a gambling problem, 10 others are impacted.  Do the math and that gambling problem for one person leads to 2 million people feeling the impact of that choice.

“Problem gambling is a serious issue that requires serious discussions among families and loved ones, but unfortunately, it’s far too often left ignored, and as a result, ultimately tears families apart.  Our hope is this campaign educates and encourages Minnesotans to start the conversation and seek out resources to address a loved one’s gambling problem so they can find the treatment they need.” - Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director, MNAPG

Resources For Anyone With A Gambling Problem

It's a tough step but starting the conversation with your loved ones and friends is the first step.

• Tips and Resources To Start The Conversation With Loved Ones About Their Gambling Addiction

Signs Of Someone Who May Have A Gambling Problem

Not sure if someone you love has a gambling problem?  The MNAPG shared the following things to look for:

• Increased frequency of gambling activity.
• Gambling for significantly longer periods than originally planned.
• Boasting about wins but never talking about losses.
• Lying about how money is spent.
• Turning to other excesses to relieve gambling stress (alcohol, sleep, video games, etc.).

Who you can call for free gambling help:

• Need help? Call the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-333-4673 — treatment is free.