NBC Meet the Press Bob Costas warns legalized sports betting will ‘ruin some lives’: Full interview
Father's Gambling Shaped Costas
- Bob Costas' father was a gambler whose bets deeply affected their family life.
- Costas grew knowledgeable about sports through bonding with his father over his betting habits.
Sports Accessibility Changes Excitement
- The availability of every game anytime has diminished the traditional excitement around sports.
- Gambling and harsh online commentary have changed viewers' relationships with sports events.
Bob Costas Warns Legalized Sports Betting Could Ruin Lives
Bob Costas shares a deeply personal perspective on the rise of legalized sports betting, drawing from his own family experience. He highlights how his father’s gambling impacted his youth and voices concern that the ease of online betting could lead to addiction and financial ruin for many people.
Costas explains, “some of those people are going to become addicted to it, and it's going to ruin some lives.” He also refuses to participate in gambling advertisements, feeling it would be irresponsible to encourage something that has an insidious side despite being recreational for some.
This candid reflection emphasizes the need for more regulation and awareness as nearly all states move toward legalizing sports gambling, reminding us of the risks alongside the booming industry revenue.