Jonathan D. Cohen, "Losing Big: America's Dangerous Sports Gambling Boom" (Columbia Global Reports, 2025)Jonathan D. Cohen, "Losing Big: America's Dangerous Sports Gambling Boom" (Columbia Global Reports, 2025)
New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
An interview with Jonathan Cohen
59:01•20 Apr 2025
The Sports Gambling Explosion: Insights from Jonathan D. Cohen
Episode Overview
- Supreme Court decision led to rapid legalisation of sports gambling.
- Nearly forty states have legalised betting for increased revenue.
- Industry dominated by companies like FanDuel and DraftKings.
- Significant social and economic impacts, including increased gambling addiction.
- Potential solutions and regulations to mitigate negative consequences.
“It's too early to tell whether it's actually working, so maybe I'll just have egg on my face if Brazil has just as much gambling addiction as the United States in six months or a year.”
In this episode of New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery, host Paul Knepper chats with Jonathan D. Cohen about his eye-opening book, 'Losing Big: America's Dangerous Sports Gambling Boom'. Cohen dives into the rapid rise of sports gambling in the United States following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed states to legalise betting on sports.
The discussion highlights how nearly forty states have jumped at the chance for increased revenue, leading to an industry boom dominated by giants like FanDuel and DraftKings. With one in five American adults participating in sports gambling by 2023, Cohen explores the significant social and economic impacts of this trend. He delves into the predatory practices of gambling companies, including targeted advertising and dynamic pricing, which often exacerbate gambling addiction.
Cohen also touches on the consequences seen in cities like Baltimore, where the negative effects of legalised sports betting are felt deeply. He discusses potential solutions and regulations that could mitigate these issues, drawing comparisons with other countries that have implemented stricter controls from the start. If you're curious about the future of sports gambling in America and its implications, this episode is a must-listen.
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