Fresno, Calif. (KFSN) — What once required a trip to the casino is now available with a few taps on a smartphone, as Americans increasingly place sports bets anytime and anywhere.
Americans spent $165 billion on legal sports last year, according to a study by ABC News and its owned stations. This increase has made betting a routine part of watching sports for many fans, especially young people.
“I wake up in the morning, I see that the games are going on. You know, what can I spend money on? What can I make money on?” Fresno State student Ryan Marini said he gambled up to three hours a day.
Marini, 19, said the bet has already put him in debt. A business major, he estimated that he gambled between $5,000 and $10,000 and told reporters that he lost more than he won.
Dr. Nasir Naqvi of Columbia University said: “More people than ever before are drawn to gambling. It has become a normal part of watching sports on television.”
Naqvi described gambling as an “emerging public health crisis”, which largely affects young people.
Related: ‘Public health crisis’: Experts blame youth gambling in America
For Marini, the attraction is hard to resist.
“What is it that brings you back?” Action News asked.
“Just exciting, I would say. Just being able to watch the game and potentially make some money is definitely something that keeps me going,” Marini said.
When asked if he believed he was an addict, Marini was evasive.
“I do, yes. I do,” he said.
“Why do you say that?” Acton News asked.
“I know win or lose, I’m still going to enjoy it,” Marini said. “If I lose, I’m still not too upset. I’m still ready to do it.”
Researchers warn that early exposure can increase the risk of serious problems later.
While more students here on Fresno State’s campus may not be addicted to gambling now, a growing body of research shows that gambling from a young age is associated with a higher likelihood of developing a gambling addiction later in life.
Naqvi said some groups are at high risk.
“People with co-morbid psychiatric disorders, co-occurring substance use disorders, people with high levels of impulsivity, people with family histories of addictive behaviors and gambling disorders — may be more vulnerable to developing these problems,” he said.
Lawyers across the country are scrambling to keep up with the industry’s rapid growth.
In Sacramento, the proposed law would prohibit betting apps from advertising or “offering bets to minors other than offering online gambling or market predictions.”
Joe Maloney of the Sports Betting Association trade group said such activity was already banned.
“It’s a violation of the terms of service, and we’re not involved in the conversation between the parent or the child here, but we communicate very, very clearly (that) this is a product for adults and adults only,” Maloney said.
Experts told ABC News that it can be difficult for popular betting apps like FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM to verify users’ ages.
During March Madness, Americans are expected to legally bet more than $3.3 billion on men’s and women’s tournaments.
Marini said he would continue to make a living, even as his relationship with the sport changed.
“It has become difficult for me to watch games without gambling [them]. I can’t enjoy watching the game just for fun,” he said.
Online sports gambling is legal in 32 states and Washington DC, but California is not one of them.
Even so, experts said many teenagers still find ways to bet, likely using offshore, unregulated platforms.
Some even access legitimate sportsbooks using a VPN.
Legal online sports betting platforms maintain strict controls to prevent underage users from accessing their site, using mandatory age verification tools as well as data such as bank account information and social security numbers.
For the latest news, follow Gab Ferris on Facebook, Twitter And Instagram.
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. all rights reserved.
#Action #Fresno #State #Student #Loses #Thousands #Sports #Betting #Addiction