Some researchers funded by predatory gambling interests attempt to argue that after the introduction of extreme forms of gambling into a community addiction rates will spike but then, over a period of years, addiction rates will decline once people “adapt” to its availability. It is called the “social adaptation theory.” Here is a memo showing why this theory is misplaced and how the only thing people are adapting to is losing more money than ever before.
“New York City Launches Sweeping Investigation Into Polymarket and Kalshi” | The Wall Street Journal
August 12, 2026
By Kevin T. Dugan, Katherine Long “The New York City Council is investigating four prediction markets for alleged deceptive marketing