Apple News In Conversation The dirty secret behind the hobby costing young men thousands of dollars
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Oct 16, 2025 Jonathan D. Cohen, author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, explores the explosive rise of sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. He discusses how apps create a seamless betting experience that hooks users, likening it to social media addiction. Cohen reveals the gambling industry's influence on state legislation and the cultural shift that allowed sports leagues to embrace betting. He also confronts the human cost of addiction and critiques the industry's approach to responsible gambling, stressing the need for better safeguards.
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Apps Designed For Continuous Engagement
- Sportsbook apps are designed to be frictionless and deliver continuous dopamine like social media.
- They offer live bets and obscure markets to keep users engaged every second.
In-Game Betting Fuels Micro-Transactions
- Sportsbooks aim for a second-screen experience with constantly updating odds to drive in-game bets.
- The model encourages repeated micro-bets rather than set-and-forget wagering.
Lobbying Shaped Rapid Legalization
- Gambling companies heavily lobbied to shape state laws after PASPA fell in 2018.
- Industry influence determined online access, tax rates, and allowed bet types in many states.
