On Easter Sunday 2023, Shane found himself at Citi Field in New York, instead of celebrating with family. As the New York Mets faced off against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was alone, battling the elements and his own compulsions. He had placed a staggering $25,000 wager on the game. “I don’t even want to bet, but I can’t not do it,” he told CNN Sports. What began as a way to enhance his enjoyment of the game transformed into an obsession that would alter his relationships with friends and family.
Shane’s journey into gambling started in 2022, after New York legalized online sports betting. Like many fans, he was bombarded with promotions and advertisements that lured him into betting on his beloved Mets. Initially, it felt like a harmless way to engage more deeply with the sport. “It was a way to feel even closer to the Mets than before,” he reflected. However, within 18 months, his life spiraled into addiction, prompting him to seek treatment.
The explosion of sports betting in the United States has been nothing short of remarkable. Following a Supreme Court decision in 2018, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized sports betting. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, New York alone reported over $2 billion in gross gambling revenue, alongside more than $1 billion in tax revenue. Nationally, Americans wagered nearly $150 billion on sports in 2023, marking a 23.6% increase from the previous year. As sports betting becomes normalized, concerns regarding its impact on fans and society grow.
Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicates that 8% of American adults report experiencing problematic gambling behavior. Jaime Costello, the NCPG director of programs, noted that this figure reflects individuals who have exhibited multiple indicators of gambling issues over the past year. The public perception of sports betting is shifting, with a Pew Research Center study revealing that 43% of Americans believe legalized sports betting is detrimental to society, an increase from 34% in July 2022.
Shane’s narrative is not unique. Ely, another recovering addict, shared his struggle with gambling following legalization in New York. Despite going broke from offshore betting and moving back in with his parents, Ely felt compelled to resume betting after the state legalized it. “I was convinced I could make sports gambling work for me,” he admitted. This mindset continued until he hit rock bottom in March 2023, after lying to his father about his gambling habits. It was only then that he attended his first Gamblers Anonymous meeting, realizing he fit the criteria for a compulsive gambler.
Another individual, Matt, who also fell prey to gambling addiction, noted how conversations among friends shifted post-legalization. What used to revolve around sports statistics and player performances morphed into discussions about betting odds and spreads. “About 70% of the conversation revolved around sports betting,” he said. Initially successful, Matt soon lost control, culminating in a staggering $60,000 loss in a single game. This marked his turning point, leading him to stop betting altogether.
Nick Goerg, who had been gambling since college, recognized that the legalization of sports betting in New York would lead to increasing risks for himself. After a catastrophic weekend in April 2023, where he lost nearly all his money, he called his girlfriend and confessed his gambling problem, vowing to never place another bet. He describes the aftermath as isolating, particularly as he battled feelings of loneliness and regret.
Despite the troubling narratives that emerge from these experiences, the sports betting industry continues to thrive. Companies like FanDuel and DraftKings have implemented measures to promote responsible gambling, including alerts for unusual betting behavior. Yet, many recovering addicts highlight that the omnipresence of gambling promotions in sports broadcasts creates a challenging environment for sobriety. As Goerg pointed out, “You cannot watch a game without seeing it on the court or during commercials.”
While some argue that sports betting should remain legal, citing that many people gamble responsibly, others believe the culture surrounding it exacerbates addiction risks, particularly among young men. Ely suggested implementing stricter regulations on betting limits, similar to how bartenders manage alcohol consumption. The conversation around responsible gambling is gaining momentum, yet the lure of easy access remains strong.
As Shane and others navigate their recovery journeys, they long for a return to the pure enjoyment of sports without the shadows of gambling. “They ruined that for me,” Goerg lamented, reflecting on how gambling nearly stripped away his passion for sports. For these individuals, reclaiming their love for the game requires not only personal accountability but also a broader cultural shift away from the pervasive influence of gambling in sports.
