The One About Illegal Gambling Billions & Sun In Your Eyes

CASINO NEWS

New York's $5.35 Billion Loss to Illegal Gambling: A Closer Look

Picture this: You're walking down the bustling streets of New York, where legal sports betting is the reigning champ. But lurking in the shadows are illegal gambling operators, siphoning off billions of dollars that could be going to pay for roads, public works, etc.

Let's dive into the story of New York's hidden gambling economy and uncover what we can learn from it.

A Tale of Two Markets: Legal vs. Illegal Gambling

New York stands tall as the nation's top sports betting market. Since the launch of online sportsbooks in January 2022, the state has raked in over $2 billion in tax revenue. Yet, despite this success, illegal gambling continues to thrive, costing the state a whopping $5.35 billion in 2023 alone. This stark contrast between legal and illegal gambling highlights the urgent need for regulation.

The Numbers Don't Lie

The Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG) and Yield Sec (YS) conducted a detailed report on the online gambling market, revealing that New York's illegal gambling GGR dwarfs its legal counterpart. Here's a snapshot of the findings:

• Legal GGR: $1.69 billion

• Illegal GGR: $5.352 billion

This means 76% of the total gambling revenue in New York comes from illegal activities, compared to only 24% from legal avenues.

The Bigger Picture: Comparing States

To better understand New York's predicament, let's compare it with New Jersey and Minnesota:

• New Jersey: With both legal sports betting and iGaming, New Jersey generated $2.856 billion in legal GGR and $1.715 billion in illegal GGR.

• Minnesota: With no legal options, Minnesota's entire $2.444 billion GGR is illegal.

This comparison shows that even in states with regulated markets, illegal gambling remains a significant issue, but regulation helps retain more revenue within the state.

Why Regulation Matters

One might wonder, why bother with regulation if illegal markets persist? The answer lies in the potential revenue that states can reclaim. For instance, New York is missing out on $1.9 billion in illegal sports betting GGR and $3.45 billion in online casino GGR. If regulated, this could translate to over $2 billion in new tax revenue, significantly easing the state's $4.3 billion deficit.

Learning from New Jersey

New Jersey's model offers valuable insights. Despite its robust legal market, illegal sports betting still outpaces legal operations. However, the state's legal-to-illegal online casino GGR ratio is more favorable. This indicates that while regulation won't eliminate illegal gambling, it can substantially reduce it and bring more money into the state's economy.

The Federal Angle

The report's authors advocate for federal regulation to tackle the pervasive issue of illegal gambling. With 860 illegal operators and 638 affiliates across the states, the problem is too vast for individual states to handle alone. Federal oversight could ensure uniform regulations and stiffer penalties for illegal operators, creating a more level playing field for legal businesses.

What Can New York Do?

To combat illegal gambling, New York should:

1. Legalize Online Casinos: Following New Jersey's lead, legalizing online casinos could significantly reduce illegal gambling.

2. Implement Effective Regulations: Clear and enforceable regulations will deter illegal operators and protect consumers.

3. Educate the Public: Awareness campaigns can inform gamblers about the risks of illegal sites and the benefits of legal options.

The Takeaway

Illegal gambling is a complex issue, but with strategic regulation and federal support, New York can reclaim billions in lost revenue. By learning from other states and implementing policies, the Empire State can turn the tide on illegal gambling and secure a brighter financial future.

Final Thoughts:

While the allure of illegal gambling might seem impossible to resist, smart regulation can turn the tide. New York has a golden opportunity to reclaim billions in lost revenue and create a safer, more lucrative gambling environment. So, what’s the deal?

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LEADERSHIP & SELF HEALTH

In this section, we'll explore the essential benefits of light and sun exposure as outlined by Andrew Huberman. You'll learn how morning sunlight can enhance mental and physical health, the importance of keeping your workspace well-lit, the benefits of watching the sunset, and why avoiding light at night is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Let's dive in!

Andrew Huberman’s Light & Sun Exposure Guide

When it comes to optimizing health, Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist and podcaster, has some invaluable insights on the importance of light and sun exposure. Let's break down his key recommendations and how you can incorporate them into your daily routine.

1. View Morning Sunlight (this is EXTREMELY important)

Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is essential for mental and physical health. According to Andrew Huberman, "Getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is absolutely vital to mental and physical health. It is perhaps the most important thing that any and all of us can and should do in order to promote metabolic well-being, promote the positive function of your hormone system, get your mental health steering in the right direction."

Huberman emphasizes that viewing 2–30 minutes of morning sunlight can significantly impact your health. "That morning sunlight in your eyes should be a non-negotiable thing 360 days out of the year," he says. This simple habit triggers the timed release of cortisol, promoting wakefulness and the ability to focus throughout the day. It also starts a timer for melatonin onset, helping regulate your sleep cycle.

2. Keep Your Workspace Well-Lit

During the first phase of your workday, it’s crucial to have bright overhead lights in your environment. Huberman explains, "During phase 1 — again, within 0 to about 8 or 9 hours after waking — bright lights in your environment, in particular overhead lights, are going to facilitate focus, they’re going to facilitate further release of things like dopamine and norepinephrine and healthy amounts of cortisol."

Bright light exposure throughout the day is excellent for your wakefulness mechanisms and overall well-being. Huberman even recommends using a 930-lux light pad near your desk to enhance your workspace lighting.

3. Watch the Sunset (or at least go outside during the late afternoon)

Watching the sunset or getting light exposure in the late afternoon can help reduce the adverse effects of late-night light exposure. Huberman states, "Viewing light circa sunset adjusts the sensitivity of the cells in the eye such that it buffers you against some of the negative effects of light late at night."

This practice can act as a "Netflix vaccination," allowing you to watch screens later in the evening without as many negative effects on your sleep.

4. Once the Sun Goes Down, Dim Lights & Use Tabletop Lamps

After sunset, dim your lights and use tabletop lamps to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Huberman explains, "The cells that bring in the circadian clock setting information sit in the lower half of the retina that, because of the optics of the eye, view the upper visual field."

Keeping your home "as dark as a cave" in the evening, as suggested by Huberman Lab guest Samer Hattar, can support better sleep quality.

5. Avoid Light from 10 PM — 4 AM Like the Plague

Bright light exposure between 10 PM and 4 AM can have detrimental effects on your health. Huberman warns, "Bright light exposure between the hours of about 10 PM and 4 AM, if it’s chronic, if you do it more than every once in a while, triggers a suppression of dopamine that leads to deficits in learning, deficits in mood, and a whole host of other problems, including a connection to the pancreas that starts dis-regulating blood sugar."

Additionally, avoiding UVB light exposure at night can prevent activation of pathways that can induce depression. "Avoid exposure to UVB light from artificial sources between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM," Huberman advises.

What You Can Learn in a Nutshell:

• The importance of morning sunlight for mental and physical health

• How a well-lit workspace can enhance productivity and mood

• The benefits of watching the sunset for better sleep quality

• The significance of dimming lights in the evening to support circadian rhythms

• Why avoiding light exposure at night is crucial for maintaining health

By incorporating these simple yet powerful habits into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your overall well-being. Start today and experience the transformative effects of light and sun exposure on your health.

You Ready?

For more detailed insights and practical tips, tune into Andrew Huberman’s podcast. Learn how you can optimize your daily routine and enhance your health through the power of light.

Cheers,

Johnny B.