The Indicator from Planet Money Red tape indicators: sports betting, R&D and click-to-cancel
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Jul 11, 2025 Professional gamblers share their worries about the future as tax deductions on losses tighten. The conversation shifts to businesses investing more in research and development amid changing regulations. Listeners will also learn why canceling subscriptions is about to get trickier, highlighting the complexities of consumer rights. The podcast humorously navigates the tangled web of red tape that affects both gamblers and everyday consumers.
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Tax Changes Threaten Professional Gamblers
- Professional gamblers face higher tax burdens due to a lowered deduction on gambling losses from 100% to 90%.
- This change effectively taxes gamblers on income they didn't net, threatening the viability of professional gambling in the U.S.
R&D Tax Deductions Impact Innovation
- The 2022 tax code change required companies to amortize rather than fully deduct R&D expenses annually, increasing the cost of innovation.
- The recent legislative reversal restored full immediate R&D deductions, benefiting industries like tech and encouraging more investment.
Regulatory Process Can Derail Reforms
- The FTC's "click to cancel" rule was intended to simplify subscription cancellations but was struck down due to procedural errors.
- This ruling highlights how regulatory changes can fail not because of content but due to bureaucratic missteps.