Online Sports Betting Fuels Surge in Gambling Addiction

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A new report in Harper's Magazine examines how the legalization of online sports betting in the U.S. has led to a sharp rise in gambling addiction, particularly among young men. The article traces the personal story of a Brooklyn journalist whose casual interest in sports betting quickly spiraled into a debilitating addiction, mirroring a broader national trend. Experts warn that the industry's aggressive marketing tactics and lack of adequate treatment resources have created a crisis similar to the early days of the opioid epidemic.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion of legal sports betting has made gambling more accessible and normalized than ever before, leading to a surge in problem gambling that poses significant public health and social challenges. Without proper safeguards and treatment options, this new 'gambling problem' could have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the country.

The details

Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, nearly half of American men ages 18 to 49 now maintain an online betting account. Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings have flooded the market with easy-to-use apps, bonuses, and other features designed to make gambling feel low-risk and routine. For one Brooklyn journalist profiled in the article, what began as casual curiosity quickly spiraled into a debilitating addiction, with the ease of placing 'one more bet' becoming a compulsive habit.

• The Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018.
• New York legalized online sportsbooks in 2022.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Advocates and public health experts are calling for stricter regulations, increased funding for addiction treatment, and public awareness campaigns to address the growing crisis of online sports betting addiction.