Sports card gambling may lead to addiction, warns expert.
The Evolution of the Sports Card Industry: From Childhood Hobby to High-Stakes Gambling
The sports card industry, once a beloved pastime for American youth, has undergone a dramatic transformation. What was once a wholesome pursuit of owning a piece of a favorite player has now become a multi-billion dollar business, raising concerns among former collectors and addiction experts. They argue that it has essentially become a form of legalized gambling.
Gone are the days when kids eagerly rushed to their local store, hoping to uncover a cardboard image of their hero from a fifty-cent bubble card pack. Today, modern collectors are willing to spend thousands of dollars, sometimes even on a single pack, in their relentless pursuit of rare limited edition cards. These cards can then be resold on the secondary market for a handsome profit.
In a video viewed more than 200,000 times, sports card enthusiast George Wiley shared his firsthand experience in the industry. He witnessed the struggle many collectors faced in controlling their impulses.
“I realized that I was contributing to people who were deeply addicted to the thrill of collecting and the greed associated with finding a rare gem. It was also something I struggled with,” said Mr. Wiley, who found himself $20,000 in debt due to his lack of self-control.
He added, “I once had a guy ask me to ship his cards to his office because he didn’t want his wife to know he was breaking the bank.”
The video sparked thousands of comments from fellow collectors. Many shared their own experiences, with one individual confessing, “I’m a recovering drug addict, but about 2 years ago I found a new ‘drug’ in the form of ripping wax. The hardest part is how easily accessible this ‘drug’ is. I haven’t even dared to calculate how much I’ve spent in the last couple of years.”
‘Sports Card Addiction’
In January, a federal agent sacrificed his career to support what his family called his “sports card addiction.” Homeland Security special agent Sean M. Nelson, 44, of Mesa, Arizona, pleaded guilty to using his government-provided car to earn money for his sports card purchases, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Arizona.
During the sentencing, Mr. Nelson’s mother submitted a letter pleading for probation for her son, recalling his childhood fascination with cards that eventually spiraled into an addiction. “No one could have predicted that collecting would turn into such a destructive force,” she wrote.
The judge sentenced Mr. Nelson to two years of federal probation and ordered him to pay $133,999 in restitution.
While there is limited research on sports card addiction, Brook McKenzie, the chief operating officer at Burning Tree Programs, an addiction treatment center, explained that the severity of the problem can often be measured by the obstacles it creates in a person’s life.
“The distinction between a hobby and an addiction often lies in the impact it has on an individual’s life,” said Mr. McKenzie.
“Collecting can become problematic for some individuals. If someone’s collecting habits lead to negative consequences such as financial strain, neglect of responsibilities, or conflicts in relationships, and they continue collecting despite these consequences, then it might be characterized as compulsive or addictive behavior.”
In recent years, the sports card industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity. One key factor has been the introduction of scarcity, with manufacturers deliberately limiting the production of certain cards. In the 1990s, card companies began numbering cards and indicating odds on packs, fueling collectors’ desire to find rare gems that could be resold on the secondary market for substantial profits.
In April 2021, a 2003–04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RPA LeBron James card, numbered out of 23, was sold for a staggering $5.2 million.
Don Drooker, a consultant at AZ Sports Cards in Phoenix, Arizona, shared his perspective on the debate surrounding whether the sports card business has crossed the line into gambling. He believes it depends on the buyer’s intent.
“If you want to consider it gambling, that is a matter of opinion,” said Mr. Drooker. “There are still collectors out there, like myself, who enjoy collecting the cards or are trying to complete a set.
“For those chasing the elusive ‘hit’ cards, it’s worse than gambling. It’s more like playing the lottery, with the odds heavily stacked against you.”
In what ways does the social aspect of sports card collecting intensify the desire to collect more cards and compete for the most valuable ones?
T the addictive nature of sports card collecting can be attributed to several factors. First, the thrill of the chase and the desire to acquire rare and valuable cards can lead to a dopamine rush, similar to the high experienced by gamblers. This can create a cycle of seeking out that same excitement over and over again, leading to impulsive and excessive spending.
Second, the social aspect of sports card collecting can also contribute to addiction. Many collectors engage in online forums, trading cards, and participating in auctions. This sense of community and the constant interaction with other collectors can intensify the desire to collect more cards and compete for the most valuable ones.
Third, the fluctuating market value of sports cards adds another layer of complexity to the addiction. Collectors may become obsessed with monitoring the market, buying and selling cards in an attempt to make a profit. This can lead to reckless spending and financial instability.
The transformation of the sports card industry into a high-stakes gambling arena has raised concerns among former collectors and addiction experts. The ease of access to purchasing packs of cards, the allure of rare and limited-edition cards, and the potential for financial gain have turned what was once a childhood hobby into a risky and addictive behavior.
The lack of regulation in the industry has only exacerbated the problem. Unlike traditional forms of gambling, the sports card market operates without strict oversight or age restrictions. This makes it particularly appealing to young people who may be
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