Betting apps face allegations of fueling addictive behavior, putting gambling addicts at higher risk

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Betting apps face allegations of fueling addictive behavior, putting gambling addicts at higher risk. (2026, September 21). CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/betting-apps-face-allegations-of-fueling-addictive-behavior-putting-gambling-addicts-at-higher-risk/

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Betting apps like DraftKings are under scrutiny for allegedly encouraging addictive gambling habits, particularly among those who are already vulnerable. Alex Klavens, a data journalist at The New York Times, has interviewed former employees of DraftKings who suggest the company may have been specifically targeting individuals with gambling addictions to increase its user base and revenue. Klavens discusses these claims in an interview on CBS News 24/7.

Written by AI on 2026-09-21, from this article's own text only (the story summary below draws on all the coverage).

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In February 2024, CBS News reported that betting apps like DraftKings are being accused of fueling addictive gambling behavior. According to an investigation by The New York Times, former DraftKings employees claim the platform targeted vulnerable gamblers with promotional offers aimed at increasing their spending. The company reportedly used AI and data science, including a measure called “elasticity,” to identify customers likely to increase their betting activity when given incentives. A former analyst quoted in the report said, "The best investment would be a problem gambler." However, DraftKings denied these claims, stating that its practices are routine across consumer industries and do not improperly target gamblers based on losses.

Written for “Gambling Addiction Risks” on 2026-11-03, grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.

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📰 Gambling Addiction Risks

Health · 2 article(s) covering the same event. See how they differ ↓

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This article reads leans left and hedges 33% of its claims. Each row says how that neighbour differs.

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Hedges 6 of 34 claims Outlet record 66/100

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“The articles discuss different aspects of sports betting apps, with one focusing on allegations and interviews while the other invites public participation in a data collection project.”

Sports betting apps entice fans as gambling exacts a growing financial toll Different event

CBS News

⚖️ Leans left Hedges 9 of 72 claims Outlet record 66/100

“While both articles discuss lawsuits against sports betting apps and concerns about addictive behavior, they describe different aspects of the broader issue with distinct sources and details.”

I Deliberately Bet Like a Problem Gambler. DraftKings Made Me a VIP. Different event

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⚖️ Leans strongly left further left than this Hedges 29 of 336 claims Outlet record 58/100

“Article A discusses allegations against betting apps in general, while Article B provides a detailed personal account of one reporter's experience with DraftKings.”

Betting apps face allegations of fueling addictive behavior, putting gambling addicts at higher risk

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Claims (3 extracted, 1 hedged)