Sports betting apps entice fans as gambling exacts a growing financial toll
Betting platforms FanDuel and DraftKings say tools are there to help addicted gamblers slow down.
Sports betting apps are gaining popularity among sports fans, but concerns are growing over the financial toll they exact. Attorney Jennifer Hoekstra, who filed 15 lawsuits against sports betting apps FanDuel and DraftKings, claims that these gambling platforms are designed to addict users. Her legal theory is based on the addictive nature of gambling apps, which feature notifications, bonuses and VIP treatment to keep users engaged.
In the past year, Americans wagered $167 billion on sports gambling, with bankruptcy rates and credit card delinquencies rising about 25% in states where online gambling is legal. UCLA research shows that 8% of American adults, or nearly 20 million people, have experienced at least one indicator of problematic gambling behavior.
Gaming companies dispute the notion that they fuel addictive behavior, but Hoekstra's lawsuits allege that the constant notifications and VIP treatment create a persistent presence in users' lives, inviting reengagement at moments of vulnerability. A former FanDuel employee claims that the company pushes hard to keep bettors engaged, even when gambling losses are mounting. FanDuel denies these allegations, stating that they aggressively monitor and curb problem behavior.
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