To Sam DeMello’s friends, it seemed as if the then-26-year-old had everything together: a six-figure tech salary, an enviable workout regimen and a happy relationship. But as he crossed the finish line of the 2013 Nike San Francisco marathon, he was surrounded by a deep sense of self-loathing. His friends, family and girlfriend had no idea he was struggling with a crippling sports betting addiction. He fell into it just a few weeks after being introduced to sports gambling, though he didn’t realize it until years later.
‘All of my friends would come to me and say: Congratulations, man, you’re crushing it. We’re so proud of you,’ DeMello recalls. ‘I would just feel this dissonance, because I felt so fraudulent.’ Now 38 and in recovery, DeMello wishes he saw the warning signals sooner.
The expansion of legalized sports betting across the United States has led to a rise in gambling problems among young men, driven by the accessibility of mobile betting platforms and a lack of age-specific resources. Many view sports betting as entertainment or a form of investment, until it spirals out of control.
Experts emphasize that gambling addiction is as serious as drug or alcohol dependency and is often misunderstood. ‘In the last seven years, we’ve seen an expansion of gambling to the point where it’s not only normalized but is embedded in American culture,’ states Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program. Young people are increasingly growing up believing that sports entertainment and gambling are one and the same.
Addiction develops when activity triggers the reward center of the brain, releasing dopamine—the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure. Repeated exposure to this rush can alter brain function, affecting impulse control and motivation. Unlike drug addiction, problem gambling is behavioral, which contributes to its stigma.
Starting to gamble at a young age and gambling frequently are risk factors for developing an addiction. Teenagers’ cognitive functions, including impulse control and decision-making, are still maturing, typically up to age 25.
During his addiction, DeMello’s life revolved around scheduled sports games—he gambled during elevator rides, after therapy sessions, and even during festivals like Burning Man. He believed gambling was a hobby of those with little money, not realizing he was addicted. This misconception kept him in denial for years.
Since the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), sports betting has become legal in 39 states and the District of Columbia. However, there are concerns about aggressive advertising and marketing, which target young adults—many of whom see betting as a harmless activity. Studies show only 50% of 18- to 24-year-olds recognize sports betting as gambling, compared to over 90% of older adults.
Despite attempts to quit, DeMello relapsed multiple times, living secretly with his fiancée and eventually developing issues with alcohol and drugs. He estimates he lost between $500,000 and $1 million over ten years to gambling.
He confesses that he did not initially believe he had an addiction. Traditional treatments and support groups did not resonate, highlighting the need for early prevention and education tailored to young people.
Experts recommend starting conversations about responsible gambling early and utilizing digital tools and resources. DeMello’s creation of Evive, a digital therapy app, aims to fill the gap for young people seeking help online. Support is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline and Gamblers Anonymous.
As gambling becomes more ingrained in daily life and culture, the importance of awareness and responsible behaviors grows. Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction early and seeking help can prevent long-term damage. The question remains: how can society better protect its young adults from this hidden addiction?”}},{
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