Podcast: Online Gambling Surge; An Overlooked Public Health Crisis

By Cameron English and ChuckDinerstein — Mar 31, 2025

The rapid expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S. has fueled a significant increase in gambling addiction, with calls to helplines surging and treatment providers overwhelmed by demand. While the industry generates substantial revenue, it also imposes hidden costs on society, including financial ruin, mental health problems and strained public resources. Now the question is: Can we bring this emerging public health crisis to heel?

Image via Pixabay

Join Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein on Episode 107 of the Science Dispatch podcast as they discuss:

The Hidden Costs of America's Sports Betting Boom

While our ancestors wagered on chariot races and bloodsport outcomes, today's high-tech hustlers are busy cashing in on online odds. As billions are wagered on sporting events and online platforms dominate the industry, an emerging public health challenge – one that includes depression, bipolar disorders, and suicidal behavior – demands our attention.

Listen to the Science Dispatch on iTunes Spotify, Stitcher and Google Podcasts. Or add the RSS feed to your favorite podcast app. Join our Dispatch newsletter to get these stories and more delivered to your inbox.

Tags:

Cameron English

Director of Bioscience

Cameron English is a writer, editor and co-host of the Science Facts and Fallacies Podcast. Before joining ACSH, he was managing editor at the Genetic Literacy Project.