‘The ads got to me’: College-age adults are rushing to prediction market sites. Addiction experts are alarmed

‘The Ads Got to Me’: Young Adults Rush to Prediction Markets, Experts Sound Alarm

The ads got to me – ‘The ads got to me’—a phrase now echoing among college-age users who are increasingly drawn to prediction market platforms like Kalshi. These digital spaces, where bets are placed on real-time events, are becoming a new battleground for gambling addiction, according to specialists. With financial instruments and social media influence driving engagement, young adults are finding themselves entangled in a cycle of impulsive wagering that could have long-term consequences. As more users join the trend, concerns grow about the role of targeted advertising in fueling addictive behaviors.

Young Adults Embrace High-Risk Betting with Earnings in Sight

Andrew, an 18-year-old high school senior, is just one example of how these platforms are capturing the attention of younger audiences. His story, shared with CNN, illustrates the seductive pull of prediction markets. After taking out a $500 credit card advance, he spent over six hours trading on live tennis matches, turning the initial sum into a $2,200 profit. The thrill of the win, however, led to a spiraling pattern of risk-taking, as he continued to use the site to supplement his part-time income and fund social activities. This behavior, described as “going, going, going” in the moment, reflects a growing trend among young users.

“I didn’t know what to do. I started spiraling,” Andrew recounted, emphasizing how the allure of quick gains can override caution. “The ads got to me—every time I saw a new offer, it felt like another chance to make it all back.”

Legal Framework Enables Access, But Risks Remain

Under U.S. law, prediction markets are categorized as financial instruments, allowing individuals as young as 18 to participate without the same age restrictions as traditional sportsbooks. This legal structure means platforms like Kalshi operate with fewer limits, creating an environment where young adults can test their luck on everything from sports outcomes to news events. While the classification is meant to streamline regulations, critics argue it opens the door for risky behavior. “The ads got to me” could be a subconscious trigger for users who are unaware of the long-term financial pitfalls, said a former state official.

Experts Warn of Impulse Control Challenges

With the prefrontal cortex still developing until age 25, young adults are more prone to impulsive decisions that can lead to addictive tendencies. Addiction specialists stress that the ease of access to prediction markets combined with high-frequency trading opportunities creates a perfect storm for financial risk. “They’re not just betting on outcomes—they’re betting on trends, and the ads got to me,” one expert noted. This psychological dynamic, where social media and instant gratification fuel participation, is raising alarms about a potential public health crisis.

According to CNN’s report, users under 21 often rely on the same resources as older gamblers, such as the National Problem Gambling Helpline, but many are caught off guard by the scale of their losses. The case of Andrew underscores how even modest starting points can escalate into significant debt, especially when withdrawal errors or fraud alerts disrupt planned earnings. These moments, described as “catalysts” for renewed betting, highlight the fragile balance between thrill and consequence.

Kalshi’s Response: Compliance and External Factors

Kalshi, which partners with CNN for data coverage, defended its approach to user protection. In response to Andrew’s situation, the company’s spokesperson Elisabeth Diana attributed the withdrawal error to a fraud alert from Andrew’s bank. “Kalshi’s system is designed to comply with financial regulations,” she explained. “The ads got to me, but the platform itself is not responsible for the decisions users make once they’re engaged.” This argument shifts the focus to banks and users’ own risk management, but experts argue that the structure of prediction markets inherently encourages rapid, high-stakes participation.