sports betting industry

CBS News examines the rapid rise of online sports betting apps in the United States and the wave of gambling addiction accompanying it, with one comparison calling it "like crack in the '80s." The report highlights how easy access to wagering on phones has drawn in young men especially, prompting debate over whether regulators and the industry are doing enough to address the harm.

A ProPublica investigation reports that a reporter who deliberately gambled like someone with a serious gambling problem was nonetheless courted by DraftKings, which granted them VIP status and incentives to keep betting. The findings fuel criticism that major US sports betting companies prioritize high-loss customers over responsible gambling safeguards, reviving debate about regulation of the fast-growing online sportsbook industry.

A new opinion piece argues that prediction and betting markets tied to basketball are enriching players and leagues while fans bear the losses. The author contends the economics of these markets favor insiders, leaving ordinary supporters financially exposed as the industry expands around the sport.

DraftKings is accused of using artificial intelligence to identify customers who are losing large amounts of money and steer them toward placing more bets, according to a report circulating in US news outlets. The allegation has drawn criticism from gambling-safety advocates who say such targeting exploits vulnerable users and raises questions about the ethics of AI in the fast-growing sports betting industry.

ProPublica reports that a reporter who intentionally gambled like someone with a gambling problem was nonetheless courted by DraftKings, which granted them VIP status and host attention. The investigation raises questions about how sports betting companies identify and reward customers showing signs of addiction, and whether industry safeguards to protect problem gamblers are working as intended.