Gen Z Essayist Warns of Addiction to Sports Betting Apps

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A college freshman at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina has written an essay in the Wall Street Journal detailing how some of his Gen Z peers have become addicted to sports betting apps, leading to strained family relationships and social isolation as they try to cope with the embarrassment of losing hundreds of dollars.

Why it matters

As more young people gain access to online gambling platforms, there are growing concerns about the potential for addiction and long-term consequences, especially among impressionable high school and college students. This story highlights the need for better education and enforcement around age restrictions to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

In his essay, Eli Thompson described how some of his friends at North Greenville University have lost significant amounts of money on sports betting apps, in some cases pulling away from their social circles due to the embarrassment. Thompson first noticed peers losing smaller amounts on these apps while in high school, suggesting that would be an ideal time to educate students about the dangers of online gambling, similar to warnings about drugs and alcohol.

• Eli Thompson, a college freshman, recently wrote about the issue in a Wall Street Journal essay.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Thompson suggests that all betting apps should have strictly enforced age requirements of 21 and over, as many already are for adults only, but some young people have found workarounds.