The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

We Legalized Sports Gambling. Now We're Paying for It — ft. Jonathan D. Cohen

May 14, 2026

Summary

Scott Galloway interviews Jonathan D. Cohen about the dangers of legalized sports betting, particularly its impact on young men. They discuss how frictionless mobile apps drive addiction, leading to increased bankruptcies and suicide rates among this demographic. Cohen advocates for regulatory "friction," such as deposit limits and advertising bans, to protect vulnerable users from predatory gambling practices.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Indeed, FIN, Odoo, and Apple Introduction: The rise of sports betting and its dangers History of legalization and the 'cookie jar' economy The impact on young men and the need for friction Male psychology, risk-taking, and financial nihilism Sponsors: LinkedIn, Odoo, and Z-Biotics Prediction markets vs. sports betting platforms Regulatory models: UK limits and industry liability State tax revenue myths and legislative inertia UK advertising bans and gambling as a gateway Education, treatment, and the path to regulation Conclusion: Sports integrity and final thoughts
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