Online Sports Betting Concerns Amid New Partnership
Online sports betting is spiraling out of control, and the recent collaboration between a tech giant and a major gambling company raises further concerns.
I’ve long criticized the addictive nature of online sports gambling and the devastation it can bring to young lives. Back in August, I raised these issues in my weekly newsletter.
DraftKings and FanDuel have emerged as the two biggest platforms in the U.S., expanding their reach into multiple avenues. From online ads to TV spots before, during, and after games, they dominate the advertising landscape. Social media is flooded with their promotions, and specialized websites dedicated to betting analysis abound. And then there are the scandals, like players caught in gambling controversies—just look at how even the Little League World Series has been affected by betting.
It’s striking how quickly the negative perception of gambling has faded. What was once viewed as harmful has now transformed into a casual pastime for many young men, particularly in their 20s.
But there’s a rationale behind the stigma surrounding gambling, and it’s still valid. Wagering impulsively can lead to substantial debt, financial ruin, and disastrous consequences. Some individuals even risk their children’s college funds as their addiction deepens, blowing their paychecks on college football bowl games rather than saving for essential expenses.
The situation is becoming more alarming with the new alliance between Amazon, FanDuel, and the NBA.
When you think you can’t degenerate any more: Amazon allows NBA fans to connect Fanduel accounts and display bets on live bets/screen during NBA action pic.twitter.com/crd9xu1j1
– Legionhoops (@legionhoops) September 30, 2025
NBA fans who also subscribe to Amazon Prime can now link their FanDuel accounts to Prime Video. While watching a game, they can track live updates on their bets, including parlays, wins, and losses.
This move seems like a desperate attempt to attract viewers to a league that is struggling for attention. Still, it’s a troubling indication of what’s to come.
Before long, sports betting will seep into every major sports league—from the NFL and MLB to March Madness and the College World Series. We’re already at a point where odds are plastered across screens everywhere.
I’m not even sure if this arrangement breaches any antitrust laws. If it does, the current administration probably won’t intervene. Recently, Amazon faced minimal consequences for actions deemed “historic” by the FTC.
Ultimately, sports gambling is having a detrimental effect on the sports world and the lives of those involved. This madness has to end. Let’s work on making sports enjoyable again!
