Cell phones are an inescapable part of modern life. For all of their advantages, however, they have allowed certain vices to grow more troubling, and one of those consequences is our current sports betting epidemic.

Sports betting has witnessed a huge jump in recent years. Even though online sports betting is banned in 12 different states, it is increasingly widespread in states that allow it.

But it is worth asking why online gambling is banned in some states. In short, the answer is that it can ruin lives.

Gambling can become dangerously addictive. The thrill of winning keeps users returning for more and more betting. Obtaining a large amount of money as a result of a simple prediction on the outcome of a game can lead to the conclusion that it is possible to do very well with sports betting. At its most addictive, the habit can convince users that gambling can change their lives for the better. 

But the risks can be severe.

Gambling is not as simple as it appears. The head oddsmaker and apps like Fan Duel and Draft Kings strategically pick the lines in their favor. The odds of winning are always in their favor, as their primary purpose is make a profit.

Of course, winning is a possibility, but for many gamblers, once they win, they are hooked. And when it’s about sports that people love, it’s hard to step away. It is hardly an exaggeration to state that one win can ruin a person’s life. 

Age restrictions vary by state, but in Pennsylvania the legal minimum age for sports betting is 21. Nevertheless, this has not stopped underage kids from finding ways onto the app of their choice. At present, the only way to verify one’s age is through an email verification. Clearly, better protections are needed.

Should online sports betting should be banned from the United States? It may be an extreme view, but when the ability to risk losing money is right on your phone, such a stance is worth considering given the risks of allowing the epidemic to grow. At the very least, online sports betting apps should change the verification process in order to make young people less vulnerable.

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Editors’ note: All opinions expressed on The Uproar are a reflection solely of the beliefs of the bylined author and not the journalism program at NASH.  We continue to welcome school-appropriate comments and guest articles.