Gambling Addiction Alters Bonds and Fandom Among Young Men

The rise of sports gambling has transformed the experience of fandom for many young men, leading to addiction that strains relationships with family and friends. Shane, a 33-year-old New Yorker, found himself at Citi Field on Easter Sunday 2023 instead of celebrating with family, having wagered an alarming $25,000 on a New York Mets game. Despite not having a gambling history before 2022, when New York legalized online betting, he felt compelled to place ever-increasing bets. “I don’t even want to bet, but I can’t not do it,” Shane told CNN Sports, highlighting the compulsive nature of his addiction.

Gambling addiction in the United States has surged since the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that allowed states to legalize sports betting. Currently, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted legal sports betting, generating significant revenue. For instance, New York reported over $2 billion in gross gambling revenue in the fiscal year ending March 2025. In total, Americans placed nearly $150 billion in bets last year alone, a 23.6% increase from the previous year.

The proliferation of online gambling platforms has made betting more accessible than ever. Shane’s story is not unique; many young men, like Ely and Matt, have also experienced the dark side of this trend. Ely, 33, who had previously lost everything betting through offshore sportsbooks, resumed gambling when it became legalized in New York. “I treated it like work,” he explained. Ely’s struggle reflects a common narrative, where the convenience of placing bets through mobile apps often leads to compulsive behavior.

Impact on Relationships and Community

The consequences of gambling addiction extend beyond financial losses. Shane’s relationship with his father deteriorated as he struggled with the dual challenges of gambling and alcohol addiction. “It takes away all your will to live,” he said, describing how his addiction affected even basic self-care. The emotional toll of gambling led him to seek treatment, but rebuilding trust with his family proved difficult. “You’re becoming a different person in front of people, and they don’t even realize it,” he added.

Matt, in his late 20s, experienced a similar transformation. Once an avid sports fan, he lost $60,000 on a single game, plunging him into a spiral of lies and deceit. “I was careful not to give them any reasons to be worried about the financial implications,” he said, revealing how he manipulated conversations with friends. The shift in focus from sports enjoyment to gambling discussions changed his social dynamics, ultimately leading to strained relationships.

Nick Goerg, 35, recognized early on that legalized betting would be detrimental to him. Known for his gambling prowess among friends, he became a “VIP” bettor, placing large wagers regularly. However, after a devastating loss during March Madness in April 2023, he reached a breaking point. “I cried in front of the mirror and said, ‘I quit,’” Goerg recalled. He subsequently self-excluded from betting and began to rebuild his life, although the experience left him feeling disconnected from sports.

Societal Perspectives and Recovery

The changing landscape of sports gambling has prompted societal concerns. According to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in July 2025, 43% of Americans believe legalized sports betting is harmful to society, an increase from 34% just three years earlier. Even among sports bettors, 34% now view it negatively, illustrating a growing recognition of the risks associated with gambling.