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Online sports gambling has become a rising concern for the U.S. government with $148.8 billion being wagered in 2024 alone. That figure is an overwhelming 2,150% increase from when online betting was legalized in 2018.
Online gambling is now considered a public health issue in Congress. The SAFE Bet Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate in March of this year targeting gambling prohibition.
“I later found out that him and two of his other teammates were betting on their team trying to fix the games, I ended up losing $300 on that parlay,” said Mason Jones, an online sports gambler.
The under regulated online sportsbooks are largely at fault for contributing to the rise in gambling addiction and debt risk. Young adults are betting before they are legally allowed and athletes are betting on their own results in betting scandals.
Jervace Mayes is a junior broadcast journalism major with a sportscasting track. Mayes has pursued broadcast journalism as a member of his school’s news crew as well as completing courses at FIU’s CARTA Lee Caplin School of Journalism. Mayes plans to continue journalism in the sports industry after graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in 2026.
Ronnie Godinez is a Miami native majoring in Digital Communications and Media. He is passionate about storytelling and hopes to build a career in the sports world, working for a major news network in the future.
Anthony Aguirre is a junior majoring in digital journalism. After his studies, he wishes to pursue a career in the NBA media world.
Terrell Snowden is from Ocala, Florida, and attends Florida International University. A former football player for FIU, he is currently pursuing a career in graphic design and has a strong interest in digital media and visual storytelling. He has worked on initiatives at FIU that combine data visualization, design, and communication. His experience as a student-athlete has influenced his leadership, discipline, and teamwork, all of which he now uses in his creative pursuits.
