In recent years, sports betting has exploded in popularity with the rise of platforms such as FanDuel, Prize Picks and DraftKings. This comes after the 2018 Supreme Court Decision Murphy V. NCAA, which lifted the ban that previously prohibited individuals from betting on sports. 

While sports betting remains illegal in Texas, there has been much push for its legalization. In a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle, Gov. Greg Abbot stated, “I don’t have a problem with online sports betting.” Ignoring its legality, teens have been increasingly utilizing online sports betting platforms through offshore websites and adult licenses that allow them to bypass the gambling laws of Texas. To limit its harmful effects, the government needs to implement stricter solutions and prevention awareness towards online sports gambling in efforts to combat its harmful effects on the youth.

For teenagers, the appeal of sports betting is easy to understand. With just a few clicks on their phone, teens can place bets on their favorite teams, players or even specific game outcomes. The promise of quick cash and the adrenaline rush of winning can be enticing, especially for young people who are still developing their decision-making skills.

However, this promise of “free money” can be deceiving. Many sports betting websites lure new users with enticing promotions like “risk-free bets” and “deposit matches,” but these offers often come with hidden conditions. For example, winnings from “free bets” typically require users to gamble a certain amount before they can withdraw any money. This can quickly trap gamblers in a cycle of losses, which forms addictive behaviors.

However, sports gambling organizations are not the only ones to blame for cultivating this culture. Social media and consumer culture has perpetuated a notion of being able to profit and come out on top when gambling. Through this notion, many are misled, when in reality, only 3% of sports gamblers turn a profit.

With advertisements, often seen through various platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, youth populations often aren’t filtered from viewing these ads, leading these ideas of earning money through playing games planted in their heads. Even more so, there have been several social media influencers promoting gambling platforms, knowing that their target audience includes minors who cannot and should not be gambling. 

We must hold these outlets and individuals accountable for promoting gambling behaviors and embedding these ideas in young minds before they lead to lasting and uncontrollable impacts. Studies have shown that teens are especially vulnerable to gambling addiction, as their developing brains lack full impulse control, making the consequences of sports betting particularly severe.

Addressing this growing issue requires a multifaceted approach. Stricter regulations on advertising, such as banning gambling promotions during live sports broadcasts, could help reduce exposure to underage audiences.

These actions need to be taken by the government to produce better policies that address these issues. Parents must also play a role in discussing the risks of sports betting with their children and monitoring their online activity. Controlling the effects of sports gambling among teens early will build good habits that will set them up for success with health habits for their future.