FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As March Madness ramps up, so does sports betting across Arkansas, and advocates say that for some people, the excitement of the tournament can come with serious consequences.
With games happening throughout the day, brackets being filled out, and betting apps making it easier than ever to place wagers, gambling experts say this time of year can be especially risky for people vulnerable to addiction.
Vena Schexnayder, executive director of the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council, said her organization received more than 7,000 helpline calls from Arkansans last year. More than 2,100 of those calls came between January and March…