Ben Fawkes ON The Psychology of Sports Betting, Referee Scandals & How To Draft QBs

In the latest episode of The Victory Degree, Nik sits down with NFL gambling industry expert, Ben Fawkes. Ben has covered the world of sports betting since 2010, working for companies like ESPN & VSiN. Additionally, he's planned and executed content for some of sports media's biggest names including: Chris Berman, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, Matthew Berry & Adam Schefter. 

"Anyone who has followed the sports betting industry over the past several years is well aware of Ben and his great work. He was one of the architects behind ESPN’s sports betting coverage and continues to be one of the most respected and prolific voices in sports betting."

Please enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00) Ben's background and introduction 

(5:16) How did Ben get into sports betting?

(9:34) Has sports betting helped or hindered the final NFL product?

(12:30) Is referee bias real & the Adam Silver story

(21:23) How are betting lines set?

(25:24) What does it mean to be a "professional sports bettor?"

(30:20) Why do most people such at betting, the psychology of sports betting

(37:10) What is points betting?

(39:23) What is the future of sports betting?

(45:29) Ben's experience working with Todd McShay & Mel Kiper

(51:56) Why is it so hard to draft franchise quarterbacks?

(57:56) Ben's analysis of all 32 NFL starting QBs

(1:02:41) Ben's life advice for the next guest 

Connect with Ben:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BFawkes22

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bfawkes22/

Ben's USA Today Content: https://ftw.usatoday.com/author/bfawkes22

Connect with Nik:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikatanackovic/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nik_Atanackovic

Ben's Articles Referenced:

Ranking all 32 QBs: https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-quarterbacks-against-the-spread-worth-ranked-backups

Ranking NBA Players Against the Spread: https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-most-valuable-players-against-the-spread