Online sports betting in North Carolina launches Monday, as eight betting apps will go live in the Tar Heel State.

With any launch of legal sports betting, there’s excitement from consumers about the new form of legal entertainment. On the flip side, a small percentage of gamblers struggle with problem gambling habits.

Representatives from the North Carolina Problem Gambling Program were unavailable for a requested phone interview, but a representative from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (the agency that oversees the NCPGP) shared an emailed statement with Sports Handle about how the state agency is preparing to help North Carolina bettors with problem gambling habits.

With online sports betting going live in a matter of days, there’s been an emphasis across the NCDHHS to ensure that treatment providers are well-versed in how to help those with gambling problems. This means additional training for treatment providers about the specifics of gambling addiction.

“In preparation for the launch of sports betting, we have refocused our prevention programs and our education program for treatment providers has focused heavily on sports betting,” an NCDHHS representative said. “Our goal remains that anyone who wants or needs help has access to quality and consistent care and services.”

Additionally, there are a number of services available to bettors in the state struggling with a gambling addiction, including a problem gambling helpline. Several states have seen a surge in calls to their helpline after an online betting launch, and North Carolina is preparing for that potential increase.

“The North Carolina Problem Gambling Program offers services to help individuals maintain a healthy relationship with gambling or abstain completely,” an NCDHHS representative said. “Those services include counseling and peer support. People can call the North Carolina Problem Gambling Helpline at 877-718-5543 to learn more. Currently, we are working with our contacts to ensure our providers and the helpline can handle an increase in calls.”

College-aged students, including athletes, are considered a vulnerable population when it comes to developing a gambling problem. The NCDHHS is working with groups to educate college students about sports betting pitfalls.

“We also started a partnership with EPIC Risk Management, an NCAA funded organization, to provide prevention education on college campuses to athletes and students about the risks associated with sports betting,” an NCDHHS representative said.

EPIC also recently partnered with the entire ACC, and EPIC representatives visited N.C. State’s athletes and coaches earlier this week ahead of North Carolina’s online betting launch.

“With the sports wagering landscape in the US constantly evolving, it’s vital that we help student-athletes and staff to make informed decisions around their relationship with gambling and also recognize signs of gambling-related harm in others where possible,” EPIC Vice President of Partnerships Teresa Fiore said in a statement.

Eight LEARFIELD Properties have also partnered with the NCDHHS, planning to share responsible gambling messages with fans starting on March 11 and running through June. The LEARFIELD athletic programs partnering with the NCDHHS are UNC, Duke, N.C. State, Wake Forest, Appalachian State, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Charlotte, and Davidson.

The messaging will focus on the NCPGP’s “More than a Game” campaign, which suggests people should seek help for problem gambling if betting on sports becomes more than just viewing a game for entertainment purposes.

Responsible gambling stakeholders recommend all bettors practice responsible gambling habits. Anyone, even those without problem gambling habits, can take advantage of responsible gambling tools offered by North Carolina betting apps.

Setting limits (on both money wagered and time betting) is a simple and helpful way to practice responsible gambling. Bettors can make a plan before wagering to determine how much time they’re willing to spend occupied by betting platforms and how much money they’re comfortable wagering. Staying within those self-imposed limits is a good way to keep the activity entertaining and safe.

Responsibleplay.org, a digital resource created by the National Council on Problem Gambling, recommends that bettors hope to win but expect to lose. Sports betting is meant to be a form of enjoyable entertainment, and bettors should never wager more than they can afford to lose.