The Deceptive Nature of Sports Betting Advertising

via the Financial Times.

Legalized sports betting quickly is becoming a dangerous aspect of many Americans' lives. Is predatory advertising to blame?

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to gamble, you either had to go to Las Vegas or find a questionable casino that reeked of liquor and bad decisions. Now? All you need is your constantly accessible smartphone, a little free time and a touch of boredom.

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Sports betting statistics, according to the American Gaming Association: 

Total Economic Impact: $328.6 Billion

Total Jobs Supported: $1.8 Million

Total Tax Impact & Tribal Revenue Share: $52.7 Billion

TOTAL GROSS GAMING REVENUE: $115 Billion (2024)

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Sports betting has shifted from a partially-legal niche hobby shrouded in secrecy to an accessible mainstream part of many Americans’ lives. One of the most alarming aspects of its rise is how it’s advertised by appealing to potential users by making betting seem like one of the easiest and lowest-risk things you could possibly do. Bet $5, win $150? “Risk-free bets”? “Bonus plays”? These commercials approach consumers by appearing as sports books who just wants to help you get rich quick.

But, like everything that sound too good to be true — none of it is actually free.

And it’s certainly not risk-free. Every promotion hides terms and conditions that make sure you’re never just walking away with easy money. A University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform article calls this out directly: the advertising is misleading. The piece breaks down how these promos are packed with fine print most viewers never read. Because why would they? You’re just trying to bet the over on receiving yards, not accidentally pick up a new addiction or feel foolish enough to fall for a scam. 

Then there’s the fact that these ads are everywhere. Even if you mute commercials during a game, you’ll still see FanDuel behind home plate, DraftKings logos along the sideline, and ESPN casually featuring an on air analyst who slips odds into mid-game commentary like it’s just another stat. It’s not subtle — and that’s exactly the point. Betting has become so embedded in sports culture that it’s starting to feel like you’re the odd one out if you’re not doing it.

via Getty Images.

16 regional sports networks rebranded their
channels as the FanDuel Sports Network in 2024. 

That’s a problem.

And it’s one we aren’t talking about enough.

According to NJ Spotlight News, more and more families are being torn apart by gambling addiction. A CBS News investigation into sports betting shows how what starts as a “fun” app can ruin someone’s life before they even realize it. It’s scary how fast a “just-for-fun” parlay turns into weekly deposits and a dangerous cycle of “just one more try.” 

"The advertising is just like the old beer ads and the cigarette ads that were on TV for years. It's the same situation," said Vin Bickler, who is a recovering gambling addict and now answers the help line at the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. "People are being sucked into thinking that it's glamorous, thinking they're going to win, and they don't win. In the end, they lose everything."

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WATCH MORE: CBS Sunday Morning

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Celebrity endorsements are another alarming piece of these advertisements. When fan favorites Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx and LeBron James are all telling you it’s easy to place a small bet and win big, it’s hard to remember that these apps are genuinely designed for you to lose. App developers use your data to send push notifications when you’re most likely to open them. They boost odds just enough to make a big win seem possible, while ensuring that 99% of users don’t actually hit.

These tactics aren't just affecting individuals who have already tried gambling. 

While I was writing this piece, my brother — who has been a Knicks fan through everything — texted me a screenshot during Game 3. It wasn’t about the score. It wasn’t about Jalen Brunson. It was a three-legged parlay.

via Gabriella Radburn.

My brother's parlay from Game 3. 

He had OG Anunoby over 23.5 points, rebounds and assists; Karl-Anthony Towns hitting three threes; and Josh Hart going over 14.5 combined stats. All of them hit. But while the Knicks were deep in a playoff battle, he was tracking his parlay like it was the stock market, rather than simply enjoying the game.

That’s what this new betting atmosphere does. It shifts the focus. Suddenly, even die-hard fans aren’t just watching their team, they’re watching the odds. Games become less about cheering for your team and more about hoping your bet cashes.

Although researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California examined data of more than four million Americans and found that access to legal online sports betting ultimately harmed consumer financial health by leading to lower credit scores and higher rates of bankruptcies, this isn’t a debate about whether sports betting should be legal. In fact, amongst the general population 54 percent said sports betting should be legal, with just 22 percent opposed. The primary issue is how online sports betting is marketed. Among sports fans, 52 percent agree there are far too many sports betting ads shown during broadcasts. 

If tobacco companies were banned from using cartoons to hook young consumers, why are gambling apps allowed to use equally predatory tactics? If gambling is illegal for those under 21 in most states, how is it ethical to advertise during broadcasts this demographic consistently watches? 

There is a need for regulation in advertising to address the proven harms associated with the rapid growth of sports betting.

via Men's Health.

Men’s Health surveyed men across the United States
and discovered that 38 percent of them had placed
a sports bet in the past 12 months, evident of the
culture present within athletics today. 

The problem isn’t gambling itself, it’s how normal it’s become. It’s the idea that everyone’s doing it, and if you’re not, you’re missing out. In order to maximize profits, major sportsbooks normalized online gambling and embedded it into sports culture as fast as they could. But the reality is, most people aren’t winning. Most people are losing money consistently and doing it through something that’s supposed to bring us together: sports.

At the end of the day, these companies don’t care about your loyalty to your team or your “gut feeling” about a game’s outcome.

They care about your wallet.

So the next time you see a “risk-free” promo, take a second to think about who it’s really designed to benefit. 

Because I promise, it’s not you.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides a range of resources, including answers to commonly asked questions, a gambling behavior self assessment, information about treatment and the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) to help connect you with local resources.
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"Challengers": A Love Triangle Between Tennis Pros

AP Photo

Zendaya and Mike Faist star in "Challengers", which features more than games, sets and matches.

The line “Tennis is a relationship” becomes startlingly literal after watching the stylish, unexpected, and emotionally loaded film Challengers.

Released on April 26, 2024, Challengers is a sports drama directed by Luca Guadagnino and stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. With a runtime of 131 minutes and an R rating, the film follows a tangled love triangle between three former tennis prodigies and uses the world of professional tennis as a lens to explore themes of ambition, obsession, and control.

Guadagnino’s latest work depicts the story of how the love of a sport can both connect and destroy people.

It’s safe to say this isn’t your average sports movie.

"I couldn’t define what movie it was. It was funny, it was so funny, but I wouldn’t say it’s a comedy. There was drama, but I wouldn’t say it was just a drama. And it had tennis, but it wasn’t just a sports movie. That feeling that it was everything at once in a beautiful way was terrifying but equally exhilarating and exciting,” said Zendaya, who also produced the film. 

While Challengers is centered around tennis, it goes far deeper. The film portrays how athletic passion can infiltrate into personal relationships and blur the lines between competition and intimacy. 

Beyond mere athleticism, the film explores obsession as a theme. Guadagnino uses tennis as a metaphor for relationships and portrays how sport can be just as emotional and messy as love itself. While viewing the movie in theaters, the tension was so thick it felt like each moviegoer was holding his or her breath. 

Through a journalist's perspective, Challengers captures an authentic portrayal of high-level tennis without falling into typical sports clichés. It shows the unglamorous realities of the game, like Patrick (O’Connor) sleeping in his car before a match, and the mental pressure athletes face. Rather than relying on long monologues about struggle, we see it play out visually: we see Tashi (Zendaya) lying injured on an examination table, or passionately screaming “Come on!” from the sidelines, her voice raw with emotion. Even Art and Tashi appearing in an advertisement together illustrates how athletes are often viewed today as brands, not people.

Photo: MGM Pictures

Zendaya portrays tennis prodigy, Tashi Donaldson, in the film. 

Visually, the tennis scenes were some of the most captivating I’ve ever seen in a film. I particularly loved the shot where the camera appeared to be under the ball, letting the audience feel like we were right in the middle of the match. Every movement was sharp, intimate, and intense. The shots froze and flowed, adding to the picture’s allure. The soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross added to the mood perfectly — pulsing in sync with the action and emotion and amplifying every moment.

This film has a clear message: success, in both sport and love, comes at a cost. Tashi may no longer play tennis, but her obsession with winning didn’t stop, she simply redirected it onto her romantic endeavors. 

Ultimately, Challengers is less about championships and more about the games people play with each other. It’s seductive, unsettling, and impossible to ignore. With standout performances, especially from Zendaya and bold direction as always from Guadagnino, the film defies expectations and stays with you long after the credits roll. 

Rating: 4.5/5

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Watch the film's trailer, here. 

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My Secret Mentor: Jack Mac

via Barstool Sports

Jack Mac continues to thrive in the evolving sports media industry. 

One journalist who has adapted to the ever-changing sports media industry exceptionally well is Jack Mac. As a blogger and social media personality at Barstool Sports, Jack Mac is able to connect with audiences by combining his humor and approachability into engaging short-form content. He has become one of the most influential figures in digital sports media today by connecting with audiences particularly through TikTok. 

Jack Mac's career began at Barstool Sports in May 2017 as a social media intern, where he quickly made a name for himself as a successful college football blogger. Since then, he has grown at the organization by capitalizing on the growth of TikTok and delivering news in an easily digestible, entertaining, and often viral format. Unlike traditional sports journalists who rely on lengthy articles or in-depth analysis often found in print articles, Jack Mac capitalizes on the fast-paced nature of how today's audiences consume content. His content covers everything from college football to major cultural moments, such as the Titanic submersible incident. 

Jack Mac via X

What connected me to Jack Mac as a journalist is the casual nature of his content. Many sports reporters take a more serious or analytical tone, but Jack Mac's style makes the news feel more like a conversation with a friend than a typical news report. I particularly enjoy how he utilizes TikTok's features such as text boxes and green screens to enhance his content rather than other software. This adds to his approachable nature. As an aspiring sports journalist, I admire his success at Barstool, which is a dream for many young professionals in the industry. Watching someone who started as an intern grow into a leading voice at an organization reminds me that success is possible when you stay authentic and keep working hard. 

Jack Mac's influence reflects how people consume news in the digital age. While he may not fit the mold of a traditional journalist, his recent expression of interest in attending a White House press briefing is a perfect example of how journalism is evolving. The idea of someone from Barstool stepping into such a formal setting is both amusing and indicative of how new media personalities are blurring the lines between entertainment and traditional journalism. 

The style of Jack Mac's approach perfectly aligns with the culture of Barstool Sports. Barstool is known for its raw, unfiltered, and often humorous take on sports and pop culture, and Jack Mac embodies that with his online presence. His content compliments Barstool's "bro" culture while also providing insightful takes on sports and trending news. His ability to break down complex stories into quick, digestible videos is a skill that many traditional journalists still struggle to adapt to. In today's media landscape, where short-form content dominates, his approach is exactly what younger audiences respond well to. In my future career, I hope I can lean into my personality and not be afraid to bring humor and relatability into my work similarly to his. To me, Jack Mac's success is a constant reminder that there's no one 'right' way to be a journalist in today's world. 

Margaret Keller Obituary

Margaret M. Keller
November 27, 1962 - July 28, 2021

Margaret M. (née Forde) Keller died Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at the age of 58, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 5, 1962, to Josephine (née Conroy) Forde and Thomas Forde in Ridgefield Park but relocated to Whippany, New Jersey. She graduated from Ridgefield Park High School before earning a degree in speech therapy from Montclair State University. She was a lifelong member of St. Francis R.C. Church, where she will be remembered by her close friend Father Sean McDonnell.

Mrs. Keller was well-known in the field of education, having worked as a speech therapy teacher at Hanover Park Regional High School throughout her career. She had a deep passion for helping children find their voice and confidence, which was reflected in her dedication to her students, with whom she continued to maintain close relationships. A lifelong lover of her Irish background, she was a cherished member of the Early McLoughlin School of Irish Dancing, where she established lifelong friendships and shared her appreciation for Irish heritage and music.

Mrs. Keller had a deep love of family traditions and became family to all who knew her. A friend to all, her kindness and open heart were gifts she shared with everyone, but most of all with her beloved husband of 38 years, William Keller, her high school sweetheart.

Mrs. Keller poses with her husband, William.

A natural-born entertainer, Mrs. Keller enjoyed spending quality time with her loved ones, and always brought joy to her company with her warmth and humor. She had an uncanny way of making everyone feel like a best friend, including her dear friends from the Irish dancing community and fellow educators at Hanover Park Regional High School.

Mrs. Keller was a fighter, whose strength and resilience will always be remembered. She had her own special saying, "LUM2P"—Love You Mieces to Pieces, a phrase that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Keller was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Thomas Forde, and her sister, Marie Radburn. She is survived by her beloved husband, William Keller, and their children: Lauren Ficara and her husband Chad, William Keller and his wife Stephanie, and Kiera Keller and her fiancé Michael Booth. She was a cherished grandmother to Maeve, Donovan, Ronan, and William. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas E. Forde, James Forde, and Kevin P. Forde, along with her adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

The Kellers celebrating the marriage of Lauren and Chad Ficara.

A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 31st, at St. Francis R.C. Church in Ridgefield Park, officiated by her close friend, Father Sean McDonnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

Juan Soto's Grass is Greener in Queens

MLB Photos via Getty Images 

Juan Soto has left the New York Yankees and signed a $765 million contract with the New York Mets. 

I never thought I’d say this, but Juan Soto has officially become one of the most hated athletes in my book.

I spent an entire season believing he was the missing piece to our lineup and the player who could help bring a championship finally back to the Bronx. 

And now? 

He’s gone. 

Just like that.

When the Yankees secured Soto last offseason, for lifelong Yankees' fans including myself, it felt like a dream come true. The front office finally made a move that made sense—securing a generational hitter, a player who already had a World Series ring, someone who could take pressure off Aaron Judge and give opposing pitchers a run for their money. 

It was the kind of move fans had been yearning for, and for one season, it seemed like it might actually work. From the second Soto stepped into pinstripes, he fit in instantly to the lineup and handled the pressure of playing in New York like it was nothing.

It didn't take long for fans to embrace him as a player who wasn’t just good—he was special. He’s the kind of player you build a team around.

And yet, just like that, he’s gone.

Watching another superstar walk away seems to be routine for fans across the league nowadays.

It’s frustrating because we all know the Yankees have the money to afford him. This isn’t a small-market team who's pinching pennies. More often than not it feels like the Yankees print money.

If they really wanted him in pinstripes for the next decade, they could’ve made it happen. But for whatever reason, both parties could not come to an agreement.

I get it—baseball is a business. Players choose to do what they believe is best for their careers, and teams have to make tough decisions. 

But as a fan, I don’t care about business decisions. I care about loyalty. 

Look at Aaron Judge—he had every opportunity to leave and make more money with the Giants, but he stayed because he wanted to build a legacy and play as captain in New York. Jeter? Never even considered wearing another team’s uniform. Soto had the chance to be one of those guys, but instead, it seems like his name has joined the list of players who passed through the Bronx. 

What really gets me, though, is that Soto said he wanted to go to a team where he could win. Really? If that were the case, he should remember that the AL is currently wide open. Now, with the Mets, I don’t see them beating the Dodgers in the postseason, and if the Phillies get hot at the right time, they might not even make it to the championship series. 

Getty Images

If Soto really wanted to win, he should’ve stayed in New York with the organization that doesn’t celebrate division titles—we expect championships.

After losing Soto, the Yankees have made some moves to prevent us from being right back where we started. But still, I'm frustrated. Even quite bitter. 

Soto had everything he needed with the Yankees, and yet, he still walked away, hoping to find somewhere where the grass is greener. I don't know what the next accomplishment in his career will be, but I do know that when he steps into Yankee Stadium again this summer, he should not expect a warm welcome. 

Me in 500 Words

Life, much like sports, is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it exciting. 

Just like the outcome of a game can change in the final seconds, so can our stories. 

My life has been composed of a series of unexpected moments—some challenging, others triumphant—but all of them have shaped the woman I am today.

Growing up, my family dynamic played a big role in shaping who I am. My dad has two older sons, and my mom has one older son, so I grew up surrounded by older siblings who grew up differently from each other. From my brothers, I was able to learn the value of listening and finding common ground with people. Sports became a natural way for us to connect and spend time with one another. 

One of my earliest lessons about resilience came while I was in elementary school during Superstorm Sandy. For weeks, I was out of the classroom, navigating the storm’s chaos and uncertainty. During this time, I learned to adapt and appreciate the strength within my community. 

I vividly remember an assembly when we returned to school, where my principal announced that a generous donor would be sending us to Manhattan to watch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. That act of kindness reminded me of the power of community and how people come together in challenging times.

Me, the summer after Sandy.

Like other kids, many of my fondest moments growing up came from spending time with my grandmother. The trips I took across the world to visit her in London not only deepened our bond but also taught me to embrace new experiences. One of the highlights of those visits was attending Premier League games. In those stadiums across the world, I realized how sports have the power to unite people from all walks of life.

A key moment that solidified my passion for sports happened in early 2014. My family gathered for a party, and we all huddled around the TV to watch the NFC Championship. I vividly remember Erin Andrews’ postgame interview with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. 

Sherman’s raw emotions made me feel so connected to the game, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of that world. I realized the power of storytelling and journalism in sports—the way it bridges fans and athletes, and how it captures the heart of the game. 

These moments, both big and small, have shaped my love for sports, community, and storytelling. 

They’ve taught me about resilience, connection, and the importance of capturing the human side of every moment. 

Whether it’s on the sidelines with a microphone in hand or in my personal life, I’m ready to embrace the unpredictable—and unforgettable—moments ahead.