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Against the Rules · November 19, 2024 · 32m

Episode 5: The Mule

This episode investigates the underground world of sports betting 'mules'—proxies used by skilled gamblers who've been restricted by betting apps. Michael Lewis and his team go undercover as a mule for a top bettor, exploring the logistics, risks, and informal economy that has emerged as apps systematically ban winning players. The episode reveals a hidden infrastructure of trust and exploitation, where sharp bettors must outsource their wagers to stay active.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

Betting Apps Limit Winning Players
Betting apps systematically restrict or ban accounts that win consistently, forcing professional bettors to find workarounds.
The Mule Economy: Proxy Betting for Hire
Limited gamblers recruit 'mules'—also called runners or betting partners—to place bets on their behalf in exchange for a share of profits.
Inside a Mule Operation: First-Person Journalism
Michael Lewis and his team sign up as a mule for one of the world's top sports bettors, embedding themselves in the shadow economy.
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