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.

Topics covered include:

• The 2018 Supreme Court decision and rapid legalization of sports betting

• How mobile apps changed the nature of gambling

• Endless scroll, microbets, and constant access

• Why young men and younger audiences are most vulnerable

• The normalization of gambling within sports culture

• Why this is a public health issue, not just a personal one

• Behavioral design, addiction, and “the action”

• What “add friction” means and how it can reduce harm

• Where regulation and policy still fall short

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.

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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 ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcDV0jUtCI