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#41: Losing Big & America's Gambling Crisis | Jonathan D. Cohen
In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Jonathan D. Cohen—historian, gambling policy lead at the American Institute for Boys and Men, and author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling.
Jonathan brings a research-driven, public health perspective to one of the fastest-growing—and least understood—issues in modern American life: the rapid rise of legalized online sports betting.
In this conversation, Alyx and Jonathan break down how sports betting expanded almost overnight following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and why the system that emerged has been shaped more by profit and access than by consumer protection.
Jonathan explains how mobile betting apps have fundamentally changed the experience—turning what was once occasional into constant, with endless options, real-time action, and design features built to keep users engaged far longer than they realize.
They also explore why this has become a growing public health concern, particularly among young men, and how early exposure through sports culture, fantasy formats, and digital environments is normalizing gambling behavior for younger audiences at an accelerating pace.
Rather than framing this as a personal failure issue, the conversation focuses on systems—how frictionless design, targeted promotions, and cultural normalization have created an environment where too many people are pulled in before they fully understand the risk.
Jonathan also shares practical ideas around reform, including the importance of “adding friction” to slow behavior, improve safeguards, and reduce harm without pretending sports betting is going away.
At its core, this episode is about awareness, responsibility, and understanding how modern systems shape behavior—often more than we think.
If you’ve ever wondered how sports betting became so embedded in everyday life—or what it means for the next generation—this conversation will give you a clearer lens.
Because once something becomes normalized, it becomes harder to question.
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, accountability, and building a healthier relationship with risk.
Watch The Episode On YouTube
Learn More & Join The Movement:
Website: collectorsmd.com
Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com
Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX
Contact: [email protected]
YT: @collectorsmd
IG: @collectorsmd
Learn More About Jonathan D. Cohen:
Website: jonathandcohen.com
X: @jonathandcohen1
LI: bit.ly/3PGR2Kz
Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER
This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by @ALLTOUCHCASE, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% off your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.
#CollectorsMD | #JonathanDCohen | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly
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By Collectors MDIn this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Jonathan D. Cohen—historian, gambling policy lead at the American Institute for Boys and Men, and author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling.
Jonathan brings a research-driven, public health perspective to one of the fastest-growing—and least understood—issues in modern American life: the rapid rise of legalized online sports betting.
In this conversation, Alyx and Jonathan break down how sports betting expanded almost overnight following the 2018 Supreme Court decision, and why the system that emerged has been shaped more by profit and access than by consumer protection.
Jonathan explains how mobile betting apps have fundamentally changed the experience—turning what was once occasional into constant, with endless options, real-time action, and design features built to keep users engaged far longer than they realize.
They also explore why this has become a growing public health concern, particularly among young men, and how early exposure through sports culture, fantasy formats, and digital environments is normalizing gambling behavior for younger audiences at an accelerating pace.
Rather than framing this as a personal failure issue, the conversation focuses on systems—how frictionless design, targeted promotions, and cultural normalization have created an environment where too many people are pulled in before they fully understand the risk.
Jonathan also shares practical ideas around reform, including the importance of “adding friction” to slow behavior, improve safeguards, and reduce harm without pretending sports betting is going away.
At its core, this episode is about awareness, responsibility, and understanding how modern systems shape behavior—often more than we think.
If you’ve ever wondered how sports betting became so embedded in everyday life—or what it means for the next generation—this conversation will give you a clearer lens.
Because once something becomes normalized, it becomes harder to question.
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, accountability, and building a healthier relationship with risk.
Watch The Episode On YouTube
Learn More & Join The Movement:
Website: collectorsmd.com
Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com
Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX
Contact: [email protected]
YT: @collectorsmd
IG: @collectorsmd
Learn More About Jonathan D. Cohen:
Website: jonathandcohen.com
X: @jonathandcohen1
LI: bit.ly/3PGR2Kz
Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER
This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by @ALLTOUCHCASE, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% off your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.
#CollectorsMD | #JonathanDCohen | #RipResponsibly | #CollectResponsibly