Sports betting is having significant negative impacts on American men, according to former presidential candidate Andrew Yang. In a recent Newsweek op-ed, Yang shares personal experiences and data highlighting the growing concerns around online sports wagering.

Yang, who admits to being a sports bettor himself, explains that online betting specifically targets male vulnerabilities by combining sports, money, risk-taking, and social elements. Research shows men remain more susceptible to gambling addiction compared to women.

Key concerns highlighted by Yang include:

• Financial Impact: For every $1 spent on sports betting, $2 fails to make it into investment accounts
• Increased Bankruptcy: Households with active sports bettors show higher rates of personal bankruptcy, especially in lower-income brackets
• Domestic Violence: Research indicates a 9% increase in domestic violence cases linked to legalized sports betting
• Economic Stress: Particularly affects vulnerable and low-income men

With sports betting now legal in 39 states plus Washington, DC, Yang urges remaining states to resist legalization despite industry lobbying efforts. He specifically calls on Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Utah to maintain current restrictions.

Yang describes online sports betting as "a new tax on Americans that preys upon vulnerable, low-income men" while increasing both financial and emotional problems in communities.

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