Dopamine, VIP perks and lawsuits: the addictiveness debate in sports betting apps

A CBS News investigation reports that major sports-betting apps FanDuel and DraftKings use aggressive engagement tactics, VIP perks, and precise data tracking to keep users betting, while new lawsuits argue the platforms are designed to be addictive. Online wagering has surged to about $167 billion wagered last year, with studies linking expanded legalized betting to higher bankruptcies and problem-gambling indicators (8% of American adults). FanDuel says it has invested $158 million in responsible gaming and removed thousands of accounts, and DraftKings touts a Chief Responsible Gaming Officer and tools to help bettors set limits. The piece also follows stories of VIP treatment that kept some bettors deeply engaged and recovering addicts who say the apps are predatory, underscoring calls for stronger safeguards and support resources.}