More than half of men under 50 in the U.S. have an open online sports book. Public health experts warn it’s easier than ever to get addicted to gambling. Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins spent a year exploring the world of sports betting, and why the pastime is particularly bad for young men.
McKay Coppins, staff writer at The Atlantic. His article “Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler” was published in the magazine in March of this year.
Isaac Rose-Berman, fellow at the American Institute for Boys and Men, where he focuses on gambling research and policy.
Michael Holms, 25-year-old sports gambler.
The first draft of this transcript was created by Descript, an AI transcription tool. An On Point producer then thoroughly reviewed, corrected, and reformatted the transcript before publication. The use of this AI tool creates the capacity to provide these transcripts.
This program aired on May 1, 2026.