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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