Part 6/12:
The demographic most vulnerable to gambling addiction is expanding, fueled by aggressive marketing and easy-to-use apps. Joe Rsilo’s story illustrates this: his gambling began in high school, and when online apps arrived in his state of New York, his habits intensified. He describes how easy it is to swipe a phone, set a bet, and forget about the stakes—an enticement far more potent than traditional betting.
The data confirms a troubling trend: nearly half of young male online bettors believe they are wagering more than they should, and calls to problem gambling helplines have tripled in states like New Jersey. Problem gambling is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis, with experts warning of a surge in addiction and its devastating consequences.