As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy pizza and chicken wings while watching the Super Bowl, many are also turning to betting apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, and ESPN Bet. With the Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles, the excitement is palpable, and so is the desire to place bets on the game.
In the 38 states where online sports betting is legal, the age requirement varies between 18 and 21. Yet, some young fans are trying to bypass age checks using fake IDs or their parents’ financial details.
Jacob Pollock, a 20-year-old college student, describes betting on sports as almost a hobby. “It adds an extra layer of thrill to the game,” he said, highlighting how betting among friends can intensify the excitement of watching sports together.
The money involved in sports betting is substantial. Since 2018, revenues in this sector have spiked from around $430 million to an impressive $11 billion in 2023, per Statista. Just last Super Bowl weekend, age verification company GeoComply reported processing 122 million checks, marking a 22% increase year-on-year.
However, not all betting apps are diligent in preventing underage gambling. Social gaming sites like Fliff and Chumba Casino allow users to play without real stakes, only requiring users to be 18 and confirm their location. Experts warn that this can lead young people to gamble with virtual money and then find ways to convert those winnings into real cash.
Apps like Fliff entice young users by giving them free “coins” to start playing. With just a few clicks, users can bet on games without spending actual money initially. But eventually, they have to buy more coins to continue playing, leading to real money being spent. To cash out winnings later, users must verify their identity using a photo ID and other personal information.
Keith Whyte, the executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, is concerned about how young people are exposed to these platforms. During a recent discussion with high school students, he found that a significant majority had sports betting apps on their phones, often using their parents’ information to register.
A survey at Redwood High School in California revealed that 74% of surveyed students admitted to betting online, despite being underage. National data suggests similar trends, with 60-80% of high school students reporting gambling activity, and a portion of them at risk of developing gambling problems.
Students like Maeve Hickok have noticed an increase in sports betting discussions among classmates, especially since the COVID pandemic. For many, it has become a normal topic during school hours, and some even share tips on how to use apps like Fliff to get around age restrictions.
Some students have found themselves in over their heads once they turn 18 and start using platforms like DraftKings. One classmate described losing $1,000 shortly after making the switch from Fliff, highlighting the dangers of shifting from virtual to real money and how the excitement of betting can cloud judgment.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has been vocal about these issues, co-sponsoring the SAFE Bet Act aimed at regulating sports betting and protecting minors from targeted advertisements. The proposed legislation aims to restrict betting ads during certain hours and eliminate them from live sports broadcasts.
In contrast, sports betting companies argue they are simply meeting customer demands. Some, like DraftKings, emphasize their compliance with both state and federal laws to prevent underage gambling. They require identification and a small deposit to ensure that users are of legal age.
Still, critics point out that these measures may not be sufficient. Young people are gaining access through various means, and betting includes methods that may exploit vulnerable individuals. The integration of betting into family activities and sports viewing is a significant concern for experts.
Ultimately, as sports betting becomes more pervasive, the lines between entertainment and risk continue to blur. Awareness and regulation are crucial to ensure that young people are protected from the potential pitfalls of gambling.
Source link
sports betting, Yahoo, gambling, DraftKings, FanDuel, Richard Blumenthal, Gambling, sports leagues, Keith Whyte, Lia Nower, Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs
