Arrest of former New Haven police chief puts spotlight on gambling addiction
The arrest warrant for former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson details an alleged gambling issue. Since sports betting has been legalized, it’s nearly inescapable through online portals and apps, along with ads on TV and the radio.
But experts say all that exposure can be dangerous, and, as we are learning in this case, it can impact anyone.
“It’s shocking, clearly in the warrant it outlined some severe issues with gambling,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker following the arrest announcement.
Jacobson’s arrest warrant outlined that much of the misused public funds went to alleged gambling through sports betting apps. The warrant explained he had three apps on his phone, of which two, DraftKings and FanDuel, were used in 2025. He alluded to fellow officers that it was the apps he was using to gamble.
The warrant goes on to state that, over about a year, between DraftKings and FanDuel, Jacobson wagered nearly $4.5 million and won about $ 4.2 million. He incurred a loss of over $214,000.
“It simmers for a while at a controlled rate, which isn’t uncommon for how most people gamble,” said Dr. Andre Newfield, with the Behavioral Health Department at Saint Vincent Medical Center and an assistant clinical professor at Quinnipiac University.
Newfield explained that while the vast majority of people can gamble recreationally with no problem, about 1 in 10 develop a problem, and it comes on quickly, usually following something like a big win.
He also noted that for some, it can be an instant hook.
“Very rapidly, that chasing turns into just a problem that they can’t catch up to,” he explained of those who develop a problem.
Experts said that with how accessible, widely advertised, and accepted gambling, especially sports betting, has become, anyone can fall victim.
“I think there are going to be a lot of people as a collateral result, unfortunately,” Newfield explained.
Fellow experts agree.
“Gambling-related problems can impact anyone,” said Paul Tarbox, Director of Public Policy with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.
He explained easy access, as well as the ability to bet on just about anything, while fun for some, is a real temptation for others.
“The sheer frequency of betting opportunities has allowed people to overextend themselves,” Tarbox said.
He points out that it’s important to pay attention to your behavior before it becomes a problem.
He said tips include always having a number and time limit in your head, never borrowing or using funds from a critical source of money, and maintaining a strong support system around you.
If you spot a problem, also get help immediately.
“It’s really important to have a safety net with the state resources that are available, friends and family to lean on, when times of temptation come on,” Tarbox said.
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