The Indicator from Planet Money The Indicator from Planet Money

For a lot of Gen Z, gambling is investing

Sep 2, 2026 · 8m

Summary

This episode explores why many Gen Zers blur the line between investing and sports gambling, driven by overconfidence and economic anxiety. Hosts interview behavioral scientist Dan Egan and former bettor Sam Mascara about these trends. They also discuss Colorado’s new bipartisan laws, co-sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, which restrict credit card deposits and push notifications to curb addiction.

Topics discussed

Introduction: Gen Z blurring lines between investing and gambling Why Gen Z views sports betting as a high-risk investment strategy Case study: How bonus bets lure young people into gambling Colorado introduces new guardrails to curb gambling addiction Policy details: Banning push notifications and limiting daily deposits Expert perspective: Is this a generational coming-of-age story? Conclusion: Taking the bonus and running, plus credits
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