Against the Rules with Michael Lewis Sen. Richard Blumenthal on the SAFE Bet Act
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Feb 11, 2025 Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic U.S. senator from Connecticut, dives into the urgent need for regulating sports gambling through the SAFE Bet Act. He highlights the act's focus on curbing gambling advertisements and funding treatment for addiction, painting a vivid picture of sports gambling as a potential public health crisis. Blumenthal discusses the shifting landscape of sports betting and the parallels it shares with the tobacco industry, emphasizing the importance of consumer protection and accountability in an increasingly tempting environment.
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Blumenthal's Motivation
- Senator Blumenthal's interest in sports betting stemmed from his work on addiction, including suing big tobacco companies.
- He was struck by stories of lives ruined by sports betting and colleges promoting gambling to underage students.
Hidden Dangers
- Sports betting's benign appearance, invisibility, and the denial surrounding gambling addiction contribute to the lack of public outcry.
- The technological shift from physical bookies to online platforms further obscures the potential harm.
Technology's Role
- The advanced technology used in sports betting allows for targeted ads and promotions based on individual betting habits.
- This technology, combined with "inducement bets", makes individuals more susceptible to problem gambling.