Intelligence Squared

Jackpot: How Gambling Conquered Britain, with Rob Davies

Feb 28, 2022
Rob Davies, an investigative journalist with The Guardian and author of "Jackpot," delves into Britain's gambling boom, analyzing the impact of advertising and online targeting that prey on vulnerable groups. He discusses the tragic realities of gambling addiction and its devastating effects on individuals and families. Furthermore, he explores the ethics of MPs' involvement in the gambling industry, the normalization of gambling in sports, and the troubling links between technology, youth engagement, and addiction, alongside the rise of cryptocurrency's role in gambling.
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ANECDOTE

NHS Compensation Exploitation

  • A disabled man received NHS compensation after a botched operation.
  • Bookmakers knowingly exploited him, leading to attempted suicide.
INSIGHT

VIP Schemes in Online Gambling

  • Online gambling VIPs are essentially high rollers who lose big.
  • Companies incentivize them with free bets and lavish hospitality to retain their business.
ANECDOTE

Free Bet Offers

  • Joey D'Urso regularly receives free bets despite rarely betting.
  • This highlights how companies try to entice casual gamblers into heavier betting.
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