LeGamble. LeCapper. LeParlay.
Those are just a few of the plays off LeBron James’ name that followed the announcement in January 2024 that the NBA legend would work to promote NFL sports betting at DraftKings ahead of the Super Bowl.
James or DraftKings did not disclose terms of the deal. James will again promote DraftKings for the 2025-26 NFL season. In a late August 2025 social media post, James made a prediction for the 2026 Super Bowl.
All season long, DraftKings takes bets on the Super Bowl matchup.
James is an NFL fan, and he consistently posts on social media about games, especially before the NBA is in season. He has made so-called betting picks on Instagram.
Because of his love for football, DraftKings Sportsbook sought a partnership where the future NBA Hall of Famer will encourage fans to gamble through the platform.
Harmless Fun?
“Football season just got a lot more fun,” James said of gambling when announcing the DraftKings partnership.
DraftKings was giddy about its deal with the sports icon.
“Welcoming one of the most influential and greatest athletes of all time, LeBron James, to the DraftKings family is an absolute honor and privilege,” DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said at the time of the partnership.
“We look forward to working with a passionate sports fan who shares the same competitive mindset that echoes throughout the walls at DraftKings, while delivering exciting engagement opportunities to our customers and his loyal fanbase for years to come.”
While some countries, such as Spain, have banned athletes from endorsing gambling companies, James is all in to promote an addictive betting product. His endorsement of DraftKings came as sports betting’s public support was falling in the U.S.
You can expect to see predatory betting app push notifications and other online marketing material featuring James. Parents in DraftKings states should be concerned.
Why LeBron Endorsing DraftKings is a Bad Bet
The primary reason why it’s dangerous for James to promote sports gambling on DraftKings is because he has millions of fans who could be susceptible to addiction.
James is a global icon with a significant fan base, including many young and impressionable fans. If he promotes sports betting, it could normalize gambling among young people, potentially leading to gambling addiction or financial issues later in life.
Many underage gamblers access online betting apps through adults they know.
About 30-40% of online sports bettors experience problems, and there is a growing backlash to the online betting industry. Many people are starting to see gambling as having negative social consequences, such as addiction, financial ruin, and mental health issues.
Given his status as a role model, LeBron’s promotion of betting can be seen as endorsing an activity that can lead to these problems, which might damage his reputation.
Under the LeBron James-Draftkings partnership, the Ohio native does not promote gambling on basketball.
A 2024 study found that state-sanctioned online sports betting damages the financial health of the population. Paying lip service to a message of “responsible gambling” amid this growing crisis, promos featuring James display a hotline number to call.
The casino industry also promotes setting an NFL betting budget as a form of player safety. However, such messaging is designed to fuel industry growth.
Famous Gambler Calls Out LeBron-DraftKings Partnership
Bob Voulgaris, a former professional sports bettor and former NBA executive, was among many observers who reacted negatively to the James-DraftKings announcement.
“Being a ‘partner’ in societal collapse doesn’t seem that fun to me,” Voulgaris wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “You’re better than this King. I would implore you to spend some time with some disadvantaged young people who’ve had their lives turned upside down by gambling.”
Reportedly, Voulgaris is one of the rare exceptions of an NBA sports gambler who found a way to beat the books. However, he reportedly used a network of people to help him place his bets, as sportsbooks ban winners.
Disapproval of the James-DraftKings partnership from someone like Voulgaris is notable.
James does not overtly portray gambling as a reliable way to make money, which is good but not a silver lining to the problematic relationship with one of the most popular betting apps. This relationship might come back to haunt James.
LeBron James and Kevin Hart DraftKings Commercial
In 2024, James and comedian Kevin Hart recklessly promoted DraftKings in a short ad.
DraftKings’ ad with Hart and James could glamorize gambling for youth.
Hart’s manic comedy style and confetti-laced edits could mimic a dopamine rush. Meanwhile, rapid-fire mentions of parlays could create a viewer sense of FOMO.
LeBron’s calmer appearance could function as a seal of credibility, subtly implying that confident winners use the app. The disorienting motion of the ad could also frame betting as exciting.
Warnings flash by as legal fine print, drowned out by the energy of Hart and James.
The Lebron-DraftKings commercial could further normalize gambling. We can expect to see more commercials for the 2025-26 NFL campaign.
Gambling ads in the U.S. continue to become more commonplace. Ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, DraftKings forged a marketing deal with NBCUniversal.
LeBron Could Help DraftKings Push Expansion
An endorsement from LeBron James gives DraftKings more credibility as it pushes to expand into more states.
In California, where LeBron lives and plays basketball, sports betting is controversial. According to a 2025 California sports betting poll, just a quarter of residents want legalization.
DraftKings offers sports betting in Ohio, where James has a massive fanbase from his Cleveland Cavalier days. DraftKings has been lobbying for an Ohio online casino bill.
To date, LeBron has not promoted DraftKings casino products.Also on the legal front, LeBron gives DraftKings a reputational boost as it fights a lawsuit from the City of Baltimore over allegedly predatory business practices.
For many reasons, LeBron James’ partnership with DraftKings is problematic for people concerned about gambling harm.
Following in James’ footsteps, NBA star Lonzo Ball of the Cleveland Cavaliers, in September 2025 announced a partnership with Betr sportsbook.
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