Opt‑in safeguards fail problem gamblers

A 10‑week immersion by a reporter who mimicked the behavior of a problem gambler found DraftKings’ in‑app responsible‑gaming tools (time reminders, loss warnings, voluntary budget limits) were easy to bypass and overwhelmed by product nudges and promotions that push continued betting. The experiment, informed by clinicians and recovering addicts, shows that design and promotional incentives — not just user choices — drive harmful gambling. — If industry safety features are mainly opt‑in and easily circumvented, policymakers should consider stronger, systemic consumer protections (mandates, transactional limits, or payment controls) rather than relying on voluntary tools.