Promoting Big Sports Betting Wins: Fun or Dangerous?

Author:

Zach Lutz

Published:

Jul 29, 2024

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10:31 a.m.

ET

Updated:

Sep 12, 2024

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03:12 p.m.

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In recent years, the sports betting industry has experienced significant growth, and with it, a surge in the promotion of big wins and glamorization of massive wagers. Whether it's sportsbooks themselves, sports media companies or social media influencers, the spotlight on massive parlay wins has become commonplace. This trend raises an important question: is this focus on big sports betting wins innocent, celebratory fun or a real danger to impressionable bettors, like the teenagers who are now betting in high schools across America?

Big sports betting wins can be exciting. The stories of bettors turning small stakes into life-changing sums of money are compelling, as they have been for decades with lottery and sweepstakes winners. For sportsbooks and media companies, these stories serve as powerful marketing tools. They highlight the potential for substantial returns, enticing new bettors to try their luck or current gamblers to keep going, even if it may be financially unwise to do so.

Publishers Clearing House’s giant checks

Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is an American company known for its sweepstakes and prize-based marketing strategies. PCH's use of giant checks began in the 1980s and has become a signature feature of their prize giveaways. Their “Prize Patrol,” often accompanied by balloons, flowers and a camera crew, surprises winners at their homes with oversized checks, creating highly publicized moments. These events are frequently filmed and shared through various marketing channels, amplifying their reach and impact.

While these marketing tactics are effective in attracting attention and participation, they also contribute to an unrealistic perception of the likelihood of winning. In the case of sports betting, this can lead to dangerous behaviors. The glamorization of big wins can overshadow the reality of frequent losses, making responsible gambling practices and awareness crucial.

Lottery winners in the news

Similarly, lottery winners frequently make headlines, with their stories shared widely to spark dreams of sudden wealth. Lotteries even provide signs to stores that sell tickets, boasting about how they sold a $X large amount winning ticket, knowing that it will feel more attainable and real if a consumer knows that they’re buying them at the exact place where someone else won a massive prize. Sportsbooks have adopted similar tactics, often showcasing winners of large, multi-leg parlays on their platforms and social media.

Sportsbooks promoting big winners, focusing on parlays

Sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM frequently post about bettors who hit improbable parlays, turning minimal investments into massive payouts. This not only attracts attention but also creates a buzz that can lead to increased participation.

Social media influencers like Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, also contribute by sharing their high-stakes bets. Portnoy, known for posting about his million-dollar wagers, adds a level of celebrity appeal to the narrative of big wins. Barstool’s new sportsbook partner DraftKings is happy to further amplify his massive wagers, especially when they win, showing that audience how simple it is to win significant sums of money. 

Dangers of glamorizing big gambling wins

While these stories can be fun, they paint an inaccurate picture of sports betting. The likelihood of hitting a big parlay bet is exceedingly low. The odds are stacked heavily against bettors, and these success stories are extreme outliers, rather than the norm. By focusing on these rare wins, the industry creates a misleading impression of sports betting successes, while of course not focusing on the risks or the high probability of long-term losses.

The glamorization of big wins can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on bettors. It can create unrealistic expectations and lead to feelings of:

  1. Disappointment

  2. Frustration

  3. Addiction

Glamorizing big gambling wins can lead to several dangers, including:

  1. Taking bigger risks, betting more money on lottery-ticket-like, longshot parlays.

  2. Spending beyond their means, leading to financial difficulties when they lose. 

  3. The constant pursuit of big wins can lead to problem gambling and addiction.

  4. Continuous losses and the stress of gambling can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

The portrayal of improbable parlay wins as commonplace can mislead bettors, resulting in unrealistic expectations and contributing to problem gambling. Promoting responsible gaming practices and providing resources for those in need can help minimize these risks and ensure a safer betting environment for all.

Responsible Gaming resources & Gambling Addiction treatment

Promoting responsible gaming is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with sports betting. Several resources are available to help individuals bet responsibly and seek help if needed:

  • Birches Health: Provides online treatment led by licensed professionals with decades of experience. With options such as booking an appointment, speaking with a care specialist, referring a friend or taking a free self-assessment, all from the comfort of home, and often with $0 in out-of-pocket costs, Birches Health makes it easy to get the help needed. You can contact them directly by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.

  • National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): Offers resources and a helpline for those struggling with gambling addiction to connect them with local care. 

  • Gamblers Anonymous: Provides support groups and a 12-step program for those dealing with gambling issues.

Sources:

Publishers Clearing House (PCH)

Washington Post