For years, it’s been said that baseball is America’s pastime. While recent decades show football climbing into that role, it could be argued that sports gambling has become America’s true pastime.

According to Statista, an estimated $3.3 billion was bet on the NCAA Division I basketball tournaments this year. While gambling can be fun and exciting, it can also lead to serious problems related to addiction. Last year, a study in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found internet searches seeking help for gambling addiction had increased substantially in recent years, and that sportsbooks pose a substantial health concern.

Gambling has become a serious problem for young people. Legislators, educators and organizations need to take stronger action to remedy the problem.

Sports gambling might start fairly innocently, with young kids being in four or five fantasy football leagues with friends. However, the thrill that comes with gambling can lead to serious problems. According to Mass.gov, kids as young as 10 years old can develop gambling disorders. Additionally, 60% to 80% of high school students gambled at least once in the past 12 months.

A 2024 survey conducted by Siena College in collaboration with St. Bonaventure University indicated that 39% of young men have an online sports betting account.

Gambling addiction therapist Harry Levant told CBS News’ “60 Minutes Overtime” in 2024 that some of his........

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