The rise of online gambling in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in problem gambling, with individuals like Kayla, 25, accumulating debts of $40,000 from online games like solitaire. Following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in 38 states, online wagers surged to $121.1 billion in 2023, exacerbating addiction issues, particularly among younger populations. Experts advocate for regulation and protective measures, such as self-imposed limits and consumer tools, to mitigate the risks associated with easy access to gambling.
