Slate Business ICYMI: The Internet Has A Gambling Problem
Nov 8, 2025
Manny Fidel, a culture writer and cohost of the No Such Thing podcast, dives into the pervasive influence of online sports gambling. He explains how recent betting scandals have laid bare the industry's grip on sports and culture. Fidel discusses the troubling reach of betting into everyday life, from political bets to fashion choices. He highlights the addictive nature of mobile gambling and critiques its glamorization by celebrities. The conversation raises urgent questions about regulation and the real-life consequences of an increasingly bet-driven society.
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How Legal Betting Reshaped Sports Media
- Legalized mobile sports betting has deeply changed how fans watch and how games are covered by media.
- The sports industry now faces conflicts because gambling money funds outlets that must report on gambling-related scandals.
Writer's Personal Betting Arc
- Manny describes his own shift from regular parlays to rare, small bets and recommends deleting apps to avoid harm.
- He says early wins were luck and that deleting the apps is the best action for many people.
Practical Steps To Avoid Betting Harm
- If you gamble, keep stakes tiny and prefer simple bets like which team will win.
- Delete gambling apps to remove constant temptation and reduce harm.