Sports betting has taken the world by storm, but at what cost? Since the Supreme Court legalized sports gambling in 2018, it has spread like wildfire across the U. S. Ads from betting platforms like BetMGM and DraftKings are everywhere, tempting us with free money for our first bet. During sports events, we hear odds and bets being discussed. It's all become a huge part of our lives.

But what's the downside? For starters, athletes are now dealing with angry fans who lose money and take it out on them. Even superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have noticed the change. Sports gambling is taking the fun out of the game, some argue.

The problems don't stop with the pros. College athletes are also targeted by angry bettors. According to the NCAA, one in three high-profile athletes receive abusive messages from people with a betting interest. This issue is mainly happening online, through social media.

Charles Fain Lehman, who writes about addiction and public safety, has been critical of legalized sports gambling. He believes it's doing more harm than good. Like other addictive substances, only a small number of people will become seriously addicted, but they'll face severe consequences. Addiction can lead to loss of home, family, and even life.

So, what do we get in return for all this harm? Some tax revenue and lots of ads. Doesn't seem like a fair trade-off. Studies show that gambling addiction is linked to serious harms, like suicide. Gambling legalization has also led to financial problems for many, with increases in overdrafts and credit card maxing out.

Young men and those in poverty are the most affected. They're the ones losing the most money and facing the biggest risks. And with betting apps on our phones, it's easier than ever to get hooked. These apps can track our habits and make us offers to bet more.

The promised benefits of legal sports betting, like tax revenue, haven't been as big as hoped. And the issue of offshore gambling sites hasn't gone away. Plus, the liberty argument isn't that strong. We weren't living in a dictatorship before 2018. It's not like betting between friends was illegal.

So, is sports gambling really worth it? Maybe it's time to rethink this trend.

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