Scott Galloway, Professor of marketing at NYU Stern, welcomes Michael Lewis for a deep dive into the alarming rise of sports betting in the U.S. They discuss its potential societal consequences, likening it to historical crises. Lewis also shares insights from his latest book, touching on investment strategies born from distress, particularly after the FTX collapse, while encouraging listeners to pursue their personal passions over societal expectations. A compelling mix of gambling, economics, and authenticity awaits!
Michael Lewis highlights the rapid growth of sports betting in the US and warns of its potential disastrous social consequences, including rising gambling addiction and bankruptcies.
The podcast emphasizes the need for public health measures to raise awareness about gambling addiction and reduce the normalization of betting in society.
Deep dives
The Impact of Legalized Sports Betting
Legalizing sports betting in the United States has transformed it into a significant industry, with 39 states allowing it and two-thirds of the population having access to mobile betting. Following the Supreme Court's repeal of the federal ban in 2018, the market has grown from a few billion to over 100 billion annually. Major companies like FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the space, having evolved from daily fantasy sports platforms to leading gambling enterprises. However, while access to betting has increased, concerns about the potential negative social impacts, including rising bankruptcies and gambling addiction, have also emerged.
Societal Consequences of Gambling Addiction
As sports betting becomes more mainstream, especially among young men, the potential for addiction and its consequences is alarming. Research indicates that 20 to 30 percent increases in bankruptcies have been observed in states that legalize gambling, with studies showing that a significant percentage of college students engage in sports betting. The conversation highlights the alarming connection between gambling addiction and escalating suicide rates, particularly among young men. This linkage suggests that the societal costs of gambling may mirror those observed in the opioid crisis, raising serious public health concerns.
The Manipulative Nature of Gambling Companies
Gambling companies are increasingly effective at marketing and exploiting customers, often targeting individuals least aware of their betting strategies. These companies thrive on the behavior of inexperienced bettors, raising the 'vig' or house edge from the historical 5% to a worrying 15%. The ease of mobile betting blurs the lines between gambling and everyday life for consumers, embedding addictive behaviors into their routines. This manipulation exacerbates the risks, as the gambling industry capitalizes on individuals making impulsive bets without fully understanding the consequences.
The Importance of Public Health Interventions
Addressing the growing gambling issue requires proactive public health measures to mitigate the negative impacts of legalized sports betting. Suggestions include raising awareness about gambling addiction and stigmatizing poor betting practices by educating individuals about the risks. By making it socially unacceptable for bettors to be associated with brands like FanDuel or DraftKings, the aim is to reduce the normalization of gambling. The conversation emphasizes that while legislation may be challenging, there are clear actions that can help reduce harm and protect vulnerable populations.
Just recently, Michael Lewis was a guest on the "Prof G" podcast with Scott Galloway. He talks about the rise of sports betting and why the consequences might be a "disaster" for US society. And the two discuss the subject of Lewis's latest book, "Going Infinite."