Tech Won't Save Us How Sports Betting Is Fueling Gambling Addiction w/ Alex Shephard
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Apr 18, 2024 
Alex Shephard from The New Republic discusses the impact of sports betting on fan engagement, game integrity, and athletes. They dive into the rapid growth of sports betting post-2018, the rise of prop bets, and the erosion of communal sports spirit. The podcast sheds light on scandals, societal repercussions, and the unchecked influence of sports betting on society.
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Sports Betting Boom After 2018
- The 2018 Supreme Court ruling led to the rapid legalization of sports betting in many US states.
- This explosion was fueled by the move to mobile apps making betting extremely easy and accessible.
Tech and Media Fuel Gambling Growth
- Sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel gamified betting using tech similar to social media.
- Sports media aggressively promotes gambling because it’s now a key revenue source amid their own crisis.
Betting Changes Fan Experience
- Sports betting, especially prop bets, fundamentally changes how fans experience games, adding stress and frustration.
- Betting demands create a brittle viewing atmosphere, eroding communal enjoyment and increasing anger at players.