ICYMI The Internet Has A Gambling Problem
Nov 8, 2025
Join Manny Fidel, a culture writer and cohost of the No Such Thing podcast, as he delves into the explosion of online gambling. Discover how recent scandals unveil the deeper connections between gambling and sports media integrity, and how apps are designed to be addictive. Explore the unusual bets people are making—from political races to fashion choices—and the alarming social consequences, including financial instability and domestic issues. Can regulation help curb this trend? Manny provides insights into the gambling landscape that everyone should hear.
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Gambling Moved From Casinos To Phones
- Legalized mobile sports betting moved gambling from casinos into pockets and living rooms.
- That shift created new integrity risks as insider info and rigged games became lucrative and easier to exploit.
Sports Media Is Funded By Betting Interests
- Sports media depends heavily on gambling revenue, which breeds conflicts of interest.
- Networks often mute or hide betting ads when scandals surface to avoid exposing that dependence.
Limit Or Remove Betting Apps
- Delete betting apps or limit yourself to small, simple wagers to avoid predatory parlays.
- Prefer single bets like moneyline over complex parlays to reduce financial harm.