Ben Affleck recently shared a recent and new parenting experience that he reveals caught him completely off guard. Not only did it take him by surprise, but it left him with a growing concern. Especially given his own complicated history.
Once the story came out, it became clear why. Ben told Jimmy Kimmel Affleck that his son, Samuel, now 13, recently asked for money to place a sports bet. The request didn’t come with secrecy or rebellion. However, it was presented as something normal among his peer group.
According to Affleck, Samuel framed it as a one-time venture. He explained that friends his age were being given similar amounts of money and that losing the money would simply mean it was gone.
His son’s description of the subject seemingly baffled Ben. He was taken aback by how casually sports betting is being accepted, even among kids who aren’t old enough to fully understand the risks. Affleck joked through his disbelief, but made it clear the logic behind the request left him uneasy.
“It’s like, what? [He’s like,] ‘My friends get $100, but if they lose it, then that’s it.’ I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s a real standard, what discipline!” he continued. “Like, so that you don’t come twitching back going, ‘I know that Green Bay is going to cover the over in the second half.’”
Ben Affleck’s 13-Year-Old’s Request Raises Eyebrows
This new parenting situation hits home with the actor because gambling has long been part of Affleck’s family history. Growing up, Affleck was exposed to betting culture firsthand. His father, Timothy Byers Affleck, supplemented his income by handling wagers while working at a bar, and certain upgrades around the house only happened when football outcomes worked in the family’s favor.
Affleck recalled how different attitudes toward gambling were when he was young. They were carried off in a more secretive way. Ben’s concerns about his son aren’t without reason. His history with gambling has been well documented.
Back in 2014, the actor was permanently barred from playing blackjack at a Las Vegas casino after being accused of counting cards. Ben denies the accusation, claiming he was simply good at the game.
Affleck has long insisted that gambling has never controlled his life, but he’s also been open about moments when the risks turned expensive. One bad and unlucky night ended with a pretty significant cash loss in a matter of minutes. A night he will never forget, especially as he watches his son grow up in an era where teen gambling is accepted.
While Affleck shared the story with humor, the underlying message was serious. Gambling is increasingly normalized through sports culture. For Affleck, the moment became less about saying no and more about recognizing how easily temptation can start.
