Freakonomics Radio The Economics of Sports Gambling (Ep. 388 Rebroadcast)
Aug 20, 2020
Jason Robbins, CEO of DraftKings, and Victor Matheson, a sports economist at Holy Cross, dive into the explosive growth of sports betting following a landmark Supreme Court decision. They discuss how this huge market, previously dominated by the black market, is entering the mainstream. The duo shares insights on the transformation of fan engagement through daily fantasy sports and the implications for state revenues. They also highlight the importance of integrity in gambling, examining potential corruption and the role of data analytics in ensuring fair play.
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Longest-Running Fantasy Player
- Peter Gethers claims to be the longest-running continuous fantasy sports player.
- He participated in the original Rotisserie League in 1980.
Rotisserie League Rules
- The original Rotisserie League had specific rules and a budget, mimicking real team ownership.
- Players drafted teams within a set budget, and their real-life performance dictated fantasy scores.
Media and League Growth
- The Rotisserie League's media exposure, including an appearance on the Today Show, fueled its growth.
- Brian Gumbel, then-host of the Today Show, even started his own league, further popularizing the concept.