Amid growing public health concerns, operators like DraftKings have touted “responsible gaming” tools and prompts. But as I went off the deep end, I found they were no match for the incentives and product design pushing me to keep going.

cross-posted from: https://piefed.world/c/tech/p/1426848/i-deliberately-bet-like-a-problem-gambler-draftkings-made-me-a-vip

  • Recklessness Rewarded: I blew $1,800 in one night by chasing my losses with bigger bets, a classic sign of problem gambling. The next day, DraftKings invited me to audition for its VIP program.
  • Casino Craze: Sportsbooks want to expand into online casinos, where you can lose a lot fast. I played 500 rounds of blackjack in a weekend — about half of my total bets over 10 weeks.
  • Profit Over Protection: The responsible gaming prompts telling me to pump the brakes were no match for the product design and promotions pushing me to do more gambling.
  • baronvonj@piefed.socialEnglish
    29·
    1 day ago

    Having it regulated instead of illegal means you can sue the house if they cheat. It means house profits are taxed. It means you can go through bankruptcy court instead of being found dead in a construction site.

    • stellargmite@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      1 day ago

      Indeed. And Regulation needs to be strengthened to the tune of atleast how much it costs individuals and society. Thats the hard part.