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How We Can Help Protect Sports Bettors From Addiction : 1A Ever since a 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized sports betting, the industry has exploded.

Now, 38 states plus the District of Columbia allow sports gambling – and Americans are taking advantage. Over $20 billion worth of bets were placed during the Super Bowl this year.

In 2023, Americans ponied up a record $113 billion. Apps like DraftKings and FanDuel make placing your bets in seconds easier than ever.

But as these apps grow in popularity, so do concerns. The National Council on Problem Gambling, which operates a gambling helpline, says calls are on the rise and callers are skewing younger.

We discuss the industry of online gambling and sports betting.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

1A

How We Can Help Protect Sports Bettors From Addiction

How We Can Help Protect Sports Bettors From Addiction

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NBA and FanDuel online sports betting signage is displayed on the side of a building in Phoenix, Arizona. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

NBA and FanDuel online sports betting signage is displayed on the side of a building in Phoenix, Arizona.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Ever since a 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized sports betting, the industry has exploded.

Now, 38 states plus the District of Columbia allow sports gambling – and Americans are taking advantage. Over $20 billion worth of bets were placed during the Super Bowl this year.

In 2023, Americans ponied up a record $113 billion. Apps like DraftKings and FanDuel make placing your bets in seconds easier than ever.

But as these apps grow in popularity, so do concerns. The National Council on Problem Gambling, which operates a gambling helpline, says calls are on the rise and callers are skewing younger.

What does the industry of online gambling and sports betting look like? And could it be driving a rise in addiction?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.