DraftKings chief Jason Robins told parents to talk with their kids about gambling addiction—starting now.
Story Snapshot
- Robins urged frank parent-child talks about gambling and addiction risk.
- He said he has explained his work to his own kids and set firm age rules.
- DraftKings lists tools like limits, cooling-off, and self-exclusion for families.
- Reports show some teens still bet through parents’ accounts or devices.
What Robins Said, And Why It Landed
Jason Robins, the chief executive of DraftKings, told CNBC that parents should talk with their kids about gambling addiction. He said, “Every parent… should have conversations with their kids about it,” and stressed keeping a transparent relationship so kids feel safe asking questions. He also described how he speaks with his own children about his company and why they cannot gamble until they reach the legal age. Quartz echoed those details from the interview.
His message hits a growing concern. Legal sports betting is now part of daily sports talk and phone screens. Families cannot assume kids will ignore it. Robins’ advice to name the risk and set boundaries is common sense. It also lines up with a core conservative value: parents, not platforms or the state, should lead the first talk about risky behavior. He put the responsibility where it starts—at the kitchen table—then pointed to guardrails families can use.
The Practical Problem Inside Every Home
Households face a blunt reality: underage users can piggyback on adult accounts and devices. The Boston Globe reported teens finding ways to bet through parents’ logins, despite platform rules that block minors. That is not a theory problem; it is a password problem. Robins’ company bans underage betting and provides tips for parents, including using device controls. But the weak link is often the same as with streaming or shopping apps—shared phones, saved passwords, and casual oversight.
That is why a talk alone is not enough. A talk must come with action. Parents can lock phones, turn on purchase approvals, and block gambling apps. They can set the rule that any money app on the house Wi-Fi needs adult eyes first. They can also check bank statements and app stores each week. Clear rules, plus spot checks, keep honest kids honest and give at-risk kids less room to hide poor choices.
Tools Parents Can Use Tonight
DraftKings lists several tools that parents can discuss with older teens and use themselves: daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits; maximum-wager limits; time-outs or “cooling-off” periods; and full self-exclusion for those who need a hard stop. The site also points families to support when a loved one struggles, or when a minor has accessed an account. These are not theory. They are buttons that change what is possible on a phone, right now.
Pair these tools with house rules that stick. No gambling apps on shared devices. No saved passwords. Two adults sign off before any new finance or betting app lands on a teen’s phone. If a college-age child is of age and chooses to bet, sit with them to set strict limits and turn on loss and time alerts. If they push back, that is a sign to slow down, not speed up. Limits are not nagging; they are guardrails.
What Conversation Can Do—and What It Cannot
Open talk can raise awareness and lower shame. That makes it easier for a child to ask for help before harm grows. Research on responsible gambling messages suggests they can lift awareness but often do not change behavior on their own. Conversation, like any message, works best when tied to real controls and early action. The wise path blends clear values, technical locks, and fast help when warning signs appear.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins says parents should talk with kids about gambling addictionhttps://t.co/VibPgm7YLP
— CNBC Sport (@CNBCSport) October 28, 2026
Here is the simple script. Define gambling as a form of entertainment that can become a problem. State the family rule: no betting under 21, period, and no using anyone else’s account. Explain house tech rules and why they exist. Describe red flags: chasing losses, lying about bets, mood swings tied to games, money that “goes missing.” Promise help if any flag appears. Then keep the door open. One talk helps; a steady conversation protects.
Sources:
cnbc.com, qz.com, fr.qz.com, rg.draftkings.com, bostonglobe.com
