Thread

1. tedivm · 1790700196 · focus · HN ↗

   ProPublica had one of their reports work with gambling addition experts to see how DraftKings would respond to someone presenting signs of a gambling problem. It's a hell of a read, and makes it clear that this company is full of people with absolutely no ethics whatsoever.

   <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.propublica.org&#x2F;article&#x2F;draftkings-sports-gambling-problem-vip-fanduel" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.propublica.org&#x2F;article&#x2F;draftkings-sports-gamblin...

   1. jimbo808 · 1790701282 · focus · HN ↗

      &gt; this company is full of people with absolutely no ethics whatsoever

      I believe this applies to any company which sells an inherently harmful, predatory, and addictive product or service

      1. skippyboxedhero · 1790702874 · focus · HN ↗

         It isn&#x27;t inherently addictive. Gambling addiction is significantly less common than alcohol addiction, and has no properties that make it inherently addictive to someone who is not predisposed towards that addiction (unlike drugs, for example, which are inherently addictive to all humans).

         Some slot machines&#x2F;casino games are designed to appeal to problem gamblers. DK and co, however, do not design these games, and state regulators do already control aspects of their design. For online operators, this doesn&#x27;t represent most of their revenue and, I suspect, most would be quite happy not to provide these products.

         1. triceratops · 1790703094 · focus · HN ↗

            &gt; unlike drugs, for example, which are inherently addictive to all humans

            Define &quot;drugs&quot;. Alcohol is a drug. Most users aren&#x27;t addicts. So is tobacco. Most users are addicts. Cannabis? More like alcohol than tobacco in terms of addictiveness.

            There may be some selection bias. Smoking tobacco is an unpleasant sensation. There&#x27;s no reason to do it other than the addiction and the effects on your brain chemistry afterwards. Whereas many alcoholic drinks taste great in their own right and would be consumed even if they had no chemical effects.

            I suspect gambling is like alcohol or cannabis. Engaging in it affects brain chemistry. For some people that&#x27;s addictive. Most people are able to enjoy the activity without being hooked.

            1. icantevenhold · 1790703906 · focus · HN ↗

               &gt;Smoking tobacco is an unpleasant sensation.

               I disagree but maybe I’m just addicted.

               1. dmd · 1790704695 · focus · HN ↗

                  There’s no “maybe” about it.
               2. eikenberry · 1790707523 · focus · HN ↗

                  I stopped smoking 15-20 years back and still remember it fondly. It is definitely a pleasant, if smelly, experience.

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