In the last couple of years, sports betting has exploded across the United States. The rise of mobile, app-based sports betting is having profound impacts on the nature of sports viewership, fandom, and gambling addiction, particularly amongst young men.

Is the rapid ascent of online sports betting creating a public health crisis? Is the online sports betting industry predatory? How should it be regulated?

Dr. Harry Levant is the Director of Gambling Policy with the Public Health Advocacy Institute at Northeastern University. Harry is also an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor and a gambling addict in recovery for more than ten years.

Ben Fawkes is a sports betting expert and industry insider. As a consultant and writer, Ben has produced work for CBS Sports, Gannett, and ESPN. Previously, was the Vice President, Digital Content at VSiN, The Sports Betting Network.

Show Notes

• 3:16 - Legalization: Benefits and Risks
• 6:44 - Public Health Concerns
• 11:30 - Infrastructure, Addiction and Revenue
• 22:00 - Same Game Parlays
• 32:00 - Advertising and The Impact on Young People
• 36:21 - Sports Gambling and Fandom
• 45:00 - VIP Hosts and Reload Bonuses
• 48:08 - The Need for Regulation
• 55:51 - Steelman

Extra Credit

• Surge in problem gambling in NJ
• DraftKings CEO rebuffs argument that AI could make sports betting more addictive: ‘There is some onus on the individual’
• A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked.
• Fanduel network shows an industry bought and paid for by gambling

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