Slate Daily Feed ICYMI: The Internet Has A Gambling Problem
Nov 8, 2025
Manny Fidel, a culture writer and cohost of the No Such Thing podcast, joins to discuss the explosion of online gambling and its impact on culture. They explore the rise of mobile betting apps that have transformed gambling into a mainstream activity. Manny reveals the troubling connections between gambling and sports media, alongside the manipulative mechanics of bets like parlays. The conversation dives into how gambling alters fans' enjoyment of games and the pervasive normalization of betting across social platforms. Can regulation offer a solution to these issues?
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Sports Betting Threatens Game Integrity
- Legalized sports betting has quickly created corruption risks inside sports organizations.
- Insider info and casino-style schemes now threaten game integrity and fan trust.
Networks Pull Ads During Scandal Coverage
- Manny recounts ESPN removing betting ads mid-broadcast when covering a betting scandal.
- The moment exposed sports media's financial dependence on gambling companies.
Parlays Push Players Toward Big Losses
- Manny describes parlays and how sportsbooks market them to maximize losses.
- He says parlays feel lottery-like and were aggressively advertised to new bettors.