Amid growing concerns about gambling addiction among young males, online sports betting leaders are urging parents to discuss the issue with their children but are denying that they are responsible for the increase in teens placing wagers.
More than 42% of people between the ages of 13 and 17 reported gambling in the last year, according to a new survey from the Rutgers University Center for Gambling Studies. Among those who played, 10% were at high risk for problem gambling, the report stated.
Mental health professionals who specialize in addiction said they have seen far more teens needing help with a gambling issue.
Meanwhile, Jason Robins, the CEO of DraftKings, one of the largest online gambling companies, said on CNBC in late October that “every parent should have conversations with their kids about” gambling addiction. Gambling addicts are struggling as Kalshi and Polymarket explode in the US: ‘You could be betting your rent away’
While critics of the industry agree, they argue that by denying that the addiction is increasing and opposing legislation that aims to address the issue, leaders of companies like DraftKings are simply passing the buck to parents and avoiding blame for how their products have ruined lives.
