The Gray Area with Sean Illing America is losing big on sports betting
90 snips
Aug 11, 2025 
Join Jonathan D. Cohen, a writer and author of Losing Big: America's Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, as he reveals the explosive growth of sports betting in America. He discusses how tech-savvy apps lure young men into gambling, turning it into a cultural norm. Cohen highlights the social and psychological costs, including rising addiction rates among younger demographics. The conversation critiques the industry's marketing tactics, examines the parallels with financial platforms, and explores the urgent need for responsible regulations to protect vulnerable gamblers.
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COVID Fueled The Mobile Betting Boom
- COVID lockdowns and state fiscal crunches accelerated legalization and uptake.
- Jonathan D. Cohen shows captive, at-home users found new apps and betting grew fast.
Fantasy Sports Trained New Bettors
- Daily fantasy sports trained fans to predict outcomes rather than just watch games.
- Jonathan D. Cohen argues that fantasy play eased the shift into mainstream sports betting.
Kyle's Life Torn Apart By Apps
- Kyle went from casual bettor to gambling around the clock, losing jobs and housing.
- Jonathan D. Cohen profiles months-long rabbit holes, drinking, smoking, and family bailouts.
