How did an assignment to write about sports betting turn into a gambling compulsion? Pretty easily | Here & Now
Wbur
An Atlantic writer's assignment to cover sports betting led to a $9,000 loss and a personal struggle with gambling addiction.Summary
Atlantic writer McKay Coppins accepted an assignment to explore sports betting by wagering on NFL games and documenting his experience. Despite a warning to be careful, Coppins lost over $9,000 of the $10,000 provided by The Atlantic for the project. He describes the experience as shifting from journalism to obsession, detailing the powerful allure and grip of the sports betting industry, which he calls a “casino in your pocket.” Coppins shares his insights in his piece, “Sucker: My Year As A Degenerate Sports Gambler,” discussing what he learned about the industry's impact on the nation.
(Source：Wbur)