The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Hooked: ADHD, Sports Betting, and One Young Man’s Fight for Recovery
If you’re noticing sports betting, fantasy leagues, or “just for fun” gambling creeping into your teen or young adult’s world, especially with ADHD in the mix, this episode is an important listen. Modern betting is fast, private, and built for dopamine… and for some ADHD brains, that combination can become a slippery slope.
Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Saul Malek, an emerging voice on the modern gambling landscape, for a candid conversation about how gambling addiction can escalate quickly, why kids with ADHD may be more vulnerable, and what parents can do to support their child without enabling. Saul shares his personal story: diagnosed with ADHD at age four, pulled in through fantasy sports, and how the shift to digital betting and easy credit accelerated everything, costing him sleep, money, relationships, and nearly his life. Today, he’s been abstinent for more than 5 years and on a mission to educate families and communities.
In this episode, we cover:
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Why ADHD can increase risk for addiction (impulsivity, stimulation-seeking, time blindness)
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How sports betting evolves from “fun” to compulsion, especially when it’s accessible 24/7
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The role of secrecy, shame, and chasing losses (and what it can look like at home)
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What helped Saul recover: structure, community, accountability, and ongoing support
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How parents can set boundaries, offer support, and avoid enabling, especially with older teens/young adults
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Where to start if you’re concerned: meetings, specialized therapy, and reputable resources
Connect to Saul Malek: https://www.saulmalek.com/
Resources mentioned: Gamblers Anonymous (in-person + virtual), gamblersinrecovery.com, and the National Council on Problem Gambling
Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach: ADHDKidsCanThrive.comEnjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who needs practical, protective guidance for today’s digital world.