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The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway · May 14, 2026 · 39 min

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

Jonathan D. Cohen

Jonathan D. Cohen, a gambling policy expert, joins Scott to discuss the explosion of sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the federal ban. They examine how mobile betting's frictionless design makes it uniquely addictive, why states pursued tax revenue that often doesn't materialize, and the disproportionate toll on young men. Cohen highlights the startling suicide rate among gambling addicts and the broader societal costs of a $150 billion industry.

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

Highlights

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The 2018 ruling that unleashed a $150 billion industry
A 2018 Supreme Court decision struck down the federal ban on sports betting, triggering rapid state-by-state legalization and the emergence of a massive $150 billion industry.
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Frictionless mobile betting is uniquely dangerous
Mobile betting apps eliminate every barrier—time, place, cash—making them far more addictive than traditional casino gambling and essentially putting a slot machine in every pocket.
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States were sold on tax revenue that rarely materializes
Many states legalized sports betting based on promises of significant new tax revenue, but actual receipts often fall far short of projections.
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Gambling addiction carries the highest suicide rate
Among all addictions, gambling disorder has the highest rate of suicide attempts and completed suicides.
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Young men bear the brunt of sports betting's harms
Sports betting companies target young men, and this demographic shows disproportionately high rates of problem gambling, financial distress, and mental health consequences.
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References

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Losing Big: America's Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling — Jonathan D. Cohen (2026)
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