I fell in love with it at age 11
Malek initially aimed to share his experience with high school students but is now increasingly reaching out to younger audiences in middle schools. His story is emblematic of a disturbing trend among youth.
Kurt Freudenberg started gambling at just 11 years old, trading virtual “skins” from video games for digital currency, which he quickly used to place bets on online casinos. Within weeks, this sixth-grader was wagering thousands of dollars daily on games like blackjack and roulette.
Now 23, Freudenberg recalls the intense thrill gambling provided: “It was a high, a super rush. I was excelling in soccer and academics, but nothing could compare to the adrenaline of gambling.”
As he progressed into high school, Freudenberg diversified his betting portfolio to include NBA and NFL games, often gambling in offshore casinos that accepted cryptocurrencies. His gambling habits escalated rapidly; on lucky bets, he would win upwards of $5,000, only to reinvest it into more gambling. “Whether the day was good or bad, I would gamble. Gambling was my best friend,” he shared, noting that many of his peers had also entered this world.
Freudenberg’s parents remained oblivious to his gambling addiction until he went to college, where he spent up to 15 hours a day betting in his dorm room. Neglecting personal hygiene and academic responsibilities, his revelation was shocking: “We thought he was into drugs,” said his mother, Kim Freudenberg. “But he told us, ‘I’m gambling.’
Health professionals are witnessing a surge in young individuals seeking treatment for gambling-related issues. Clinics and support groups throughout the country are increasingly filled with teenagers and young adults. Elizabeth Thielen, senior director at Nicasa Behavioral Health Services in Illinois, notes a significant demographic shift: “When I started, most clients were in their 40s and 50s. Recently, though, we are seeing much younger individuals seeking help, with one parent reporting their child nearly depleting their college funds.”
Betting on Underage Gamblers
In most states, individuals must be at least 21 years old to gamble in physical casinos; however, the rise of online gambling has created an opportunity for minors to bet with relative ease and often without parental consent.
While platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings enforce age regulations, allowing gambling from the age of 18 in some states, the loopholes are numerous. Users must verify their identity by entering personal details that typically match the associated bank account, yet minors find ways to bypass these measures. Many minors rely on siblings or friends to establish accounts, with personal information being readily obtainable.
“Some of my friends use their parents’ or grandparents’ Social Security numbers,” shared Henry Brown, a college student influenced by Malek’s story. “Some had permission, and others did not.”
The normalization of betting for young audiences is compounded by massive advertising campaigns and partnerships with sports entities; it is common for parents to gamble alongside their children as a shared experience. Jeffrey Reynolds, the president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association in New York, stated, “I’ve had conversations with fathers who openly gamble with their children during games.”
Both FanDuel and DraftKings maintain stringent policies against underage gambling, closely monitoring accounts for any suspicious activities. These companies emphasize their commitment to targeting adult customers, not minors using parental information. “Gambling is entertainment for adults, and we want to ensure it remains that way,” asserted Lori Kalani, head of responsible gaming at DraftKings.
As the online gambling industry continues to expand, the availability of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, which permit betting for those as young as 18, raises additional concerns. Apps such as Fliff promote themselves as “online sweepstakes,” allowing players to wager virtual currency for real rewards, further drawing younger audiences.
Despite measures intended to curb underage participation, many minors still find access through unregulated offshore platforms like Rainbet, often backed by celebrity endorsements. Prominent figures in the industry frequently engage in flamboyant promotion strategies, making these sites particularly appealing.
Impact of Gambling on Youth
At Ohio State, Saul Marek discussed how fantasy baseball served as his gateway to gambling, fostering connections with friends before he transitioned to daily fantasy leagues. The legalization of online sports betting following a pivotal 2018 Supreme Court ruling only escalated his involvement. Marek believed his knowledge of sports gave him an edge when he began betting, using this perceived expertise as motivation.
“I remember thinking, like many young people do, ‘I’ve been a sports fan forever; I know which teams are strong,'” Marek expressed. “I thought I would be foolish not to capitalize on my knowledge.”
University officials have invited Marek to speak at schools, not because gambling addiction is rampant, but because sports and gambling are becoming deeply intertwined in youth culture. “Gambling is now a prominent topic whenever games are on,” stated Christopher Perry, the high school campus director at Ohio State. “While we can’t discourage every young person, we must focus on educating them about potential risks.”
The allure of immediate gratification associated with online gambling poses significant risks for younger bettors. Sportsbooks now allow various betting options that can enhance the thrill, including prop bets tied to specific game events, such as how many points a player will score in a quarter. “Young men are especially vulnerable; the combination of impulsivity and the misconception of superior knowledge about sports can create real problems,” Reynolds warned.
Individuals recovering from early gambling addiction often report that initial losses felt inconsequential since they lacked financial responsibilities. A 21-year-old from New Jersey, who started gambling during high school, explained, “At that age, money didn’t seem real, and I didn’t care about my bank account balance.” This lack of accountability eventually resulted in taking drastic measures, including stealing from family members.
Parents frequently remain unaware of their child’s gambling issues until it spirals out of control. Malek recounted a harrowing moment when a bookie confronted his family for repayment, leading to his plea for help as his addiction had brought him to a dangerous brink.
After seeking treatment through Gamblers Anonymous, Malek’s journey underscored the need for awareness and preventative measures regarding gambling addiction. Treatment providers have increasingly voiced concerns about the long-term impact of gambling addiction, which can lead to dire outcomes, including potential suicidal ideation. A 2019 survey revealed that students facing gambling challenges were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide, with further studies indicating a troubling trend among those in their twenties.
Kurt Freudenberg, following his own treatment experience, expressed the importance of open discussions surrounding gambling risks in schools and communities. Now back in school, he hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others struggling with similar issues find the encouragement they need to seek help.
