Sports Analyst Sparks Backlash After Allowing 11-Year-Old Son to Gamble

Darren Rovell, a veteran sports business analyst and contributor to The Action Network, faced significant controversy this week after sharing that his 11-year-old son wanted to bet on sports. Rather than saying “no,” he helped his kid register on a free-to-play wagering app, framing the move as a teaching moment. His post has led to heated debates over underage exposure to gambling.

Rovell Faced Harsh Criticism

In his post, Rovell revealed that he monitors his son’s picks and discusses wins and losses with him, implying that such actions will help reinforce responsible behavior. However, the internet’s response was swift and unforgiving. Many commenters argued that the difference between real and fake money is irrelevant given the inherent dangers of gambling.

General wisdom usually dictates that children should be protected from experiences that could become a gateway toward addiction. Critics compared the situation to allowing a child to practice drinking with non-alcoholic beer or teaching them to smoke using herbal cigarettes. Others were even more critical, calling the post irresponsible and accusing Rovell of blurring boundaries that most parents try to reinforce. 

A screenshot Rovell shared from the free-to-play app, Stadium Live, featuring a vulgar joke involving NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, fueled further backlash. For many commenters, the content only increased their concerns. Critics argue that even without money involved, the app’s tone and themes were highly inappropriate for a pre-teen.

Underage Gambling Rates Remain on the Rise

The involvement of Stadium Live CEO Kevin Kim also inflamed tensions. Kim insisted that Stadium Live was not a gambling product but a free-to-play social game. He also pushed back against what he described as selective outrage, arguing that wagering was deeply ingrained in modern sports culture through broadcasts, podcasts, sponsorships, and advertising.

However, Kim’s arguments did little to quiet critics who see free-to-play betting games as a gateway rather than a safeguard, especially given mounting evidence. The New York Council on Problem Gambling recently reported that a vast majority of high school students have placed some form of bet at least once a year. Advocates warn that problem gambling rates among minors are rising fast, particularly among boys.

Experts warn that early exposure carries significant risks. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to the illusion of control as they often believe they can outsmart systems designed by adults. Such a mindset, combined with constant exposure to betting advertisements and odds talk, can harden into habits that are difficult to break.