Avoid giving Sports Betting Gift Cards as holiday presents

The expansion of legal online sports betting across the U.S. has allowed sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers and Bet365 to make it easier than ever to place wagers. Access to sports betting has been made easier by sports betting gift cards, which can be purchased at stores like Target, Walmart, Dollar General, 7-Eleven and gas stations. These cards, which are available in amounts ranging from $25 to $500, can be viewed as entertainment gifts, similar to buying tickets to a sporting event. 

Sports betting gift cards may seem like a quick and harmless stocking stuffer for your sports enthusiast family member or friend, but danger lies beneath the surface. This article breaks down how these gift cards work, the dangers they present and why they’re best left off your shopping list this season.

Dangers of giving sports betting gift cards as holiday gifts

Of course, the very essence of sports betting gift cards encourage and facilitate gambling, which can carry significant financial and emotional risks:

• A sportsbook-related gift can expose a young person’s subconscious to gambling behaviors before their brains reach a critical juncture in development. Studies have shown that individuals introduced to gambling early in life are significantly more likely to develop a gambling disorder later on.
  
  

• Sports betting is inherently risky, and the ease of use and quick access of a gift card can open the door for those who may already have a problem or who are at risk of developing one.
  
  

• While some may view gift cards as “fun money,” losing these funds may lead some recipients to deposit more of their own money to continue the activity after the gift card funds run out.
  
  

• Does giving a sports betting gift card embody the thoughtful and personal characteristics of the season? Intentional or not, you could be highlighting unhealthy habits or enabling problematic behavior.

Can sports betting gift cards lead to gambling addiction?

Yes, gambling addiction is recognized by the DSM-5 as a mental health condition that can develop from repeated exposure to wagering activities. Sports betting gift cards make it a breeze to ignore financial limitations and fund betting accounts, encouraging excessive gambling in individuals who struggle to know when to stop.

Millions of Americans suffer from gambling problems, with notable recent increases in certain demographics, including young males. The availability of gift cards only adds fuel to this fire, removing friction and making betting as easy as entering a prepaid code.

Signs of gambling addiction in family members or friends

If you’ve issued or received a sports betting gift card, it’s important to be mindful of signs that may indicate a gambling problem:

• Having your thoughts be consumed by betting.

• Concealing gambling behavior or lying about losses.

• Risking more money on gambling than originally planned.

• Asking loved ones (or the bank) to borrow money to fund betting activities.

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, mood swings and dysfunction in daily life when trying to cut back on betting.

Gambling addiction treatment options 

While the holidays are a time of giving, sports betting gift cards should be left on the shelves. These betting gift cards can fuel addiction and normalize wagering for younger audiences.

Thoughtful alternatives that promote health and well-being should be considered. If you suspect someone is struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. Birches Health offers tailored resources to help individuals regain control. Care options include:

• Speak with a Care Specialist to discuss options: Speak with professionals to discuss treatment pathways.

• Free Self-Assessment: Take a free self-assessment to understand the severity of gambling habits.

• Refer Someone Else

This holiday season, choose gifts that bring joy, not risk.