The Startup Ideas Podcast

The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.

AI-Powered Sports Betting Recovery Platform

For: People struggling with sports gambling addiction

Buildability

The Problem

Sports gambling addicts lack personalized, accessible support systems that understand their specific triggers and provide real-time intervention during vulnerable moments

The Solution

AI-powered app that tracks spending patterns, identifies gambling triggers, provides alternative activities, and offers personalized recovery coaching with gamification elements

Why Now?

Sports betting legalization has created massive addiction increase, traditional recovery resources are overwhelmed, AI can provide 24/7 personalized intervention

Build MVP in 7 Days

Day 1

Simple spending tracker with gambling categorization

Day 2

Basic trigger identification based on time/team patterns

Day 3

Alternative activity suggestions when triggers detected

Day 4

Achievement system for gambling-free days

How to Validate

Post in gambling addiction Reddit communities asking about tools they'd find helpful

Create basic landing page with email signup for beta

Interview 5 people in gambling recovery about their biggest challenges

Test simple trigger tracking with volunteer users

Revenue Model

Freemium with basic tracking free, premium coaching and intervention features, potential partnerships with recovery centers or healthcare providers

Competitive Moat

Deep understanding of sports gambling psychology, community of recovering addicts, integration with financial tracking tools

Risks to Consider

High user churn due to addiction natureLiability if intervention fails during crisisDifficulty acquiring users who may hide addictionRegulatory challenges in gambling-adjacent space