Summary
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that 20 million Americans currently exhibit problem gambling behaviors, highlighting a growing crisis linked to the increasing normalization of sports betting. As sports leagues and broadcasters enter lucrative partnerships with gambling companies, concerns arise about the impact on young audiences and the potential for addiction. The hosts express alarm over the pervasive nature of gambling advertisements and the harassment athletes face from disgruntled bettors, emphasizing the need for a public health approach to address these issues.
Julie Fowdy and Abby Wambach invite sports historian Victoria Jackson to discuss the historical context of gambling in sports, noting a significant shift since the 1990s when major leagues opposed betting. The conversation explores how technological advancements and changing attitudes have led to the current landscape, where sports betting is prevalent and often targeted at younger demographics. Jackson warns that the consequences of this normalization could be severe, particularly for women’s sports, which have historically sought to differentiate themselves from the male-dominated gambling culture.
The episode also touches on the ethical responsibilities of leagues and teams in protecting athletes from abuse related to gambling. With many players facing threats after games due to betting outcomes, the hosts stress the importance of prioritizing athlete safety and well-being over financial gain. As the conversation unfolds, the hosts advocate for a cautious approach to gambling partnerships in women's sports, emphasizing the need for a moral compass that prioritizes community and ethical standards.
Show Notes
Women’s sports are growing and the gambling industry wants in. But what’s the real cost of all that new money?
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy welcome sports historian Dr. Victoria Jackson to unpack how sports betting went from something leagues opposed to something they actively promote. From betting apps and prediction markets to broadcasters with a financial stake in the action, they explore how gambling is reshaping the way we watch, cover and experience sports.
Together, they dig into the consequences for young fans, the harassment athletes face, and the responsibility leagues have to protect the people who make their businesses possible. As women’s sports enter a new era of investment and opportunity, can they chart a different path?
Plus, a look ahead to Part 2, when Saul Malek joins Abby and Julie to share his personal experience with gambling addiction. That will be this Friday 10/22.
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The article Julie referenced of longtime ESPN investigative producer Nicole Noren explains why the network’s embrace of sports betting ultimately led her to leave after 24 years.
READ: “I’m Not Going to Have Blood on My Hands”
The athlete harassment is real, and women are taking a disproportionate amount of it. The NCAA’s online-abuse study found that 12% of verified abuse was directly tied to sports betting, and women’s basketball players received roughly three times more threats than men’s basketball players:https://www.ncaa.org/news/media-center-ncaa-calls-on-fans-social-media-platforms-to-curb-abuse-as-it-releases-first-online-harassment-study/
“This is our normal after every game.” We played Natasha Cloud talking about the abuse WNBA players receive from angry bettors and her call for leagues to do more to protect players.
MORE ON NATASHA CLOUD + BETTING HARASSMENT: https://frontofficesports.com/article/natasha-cloud-calls-engelbert-silver-address-sports-betting-threats/
Who actually wins on prediction markets? Julie referenced The Wall Street Journal’s investigation into prediction markets, which found profits heavily concentrated among a tiny fraction of sophisticated traders while most users lost money.
READ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL INVESTIGATION
https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/polymarket-kalshi-betting-profits-prediction-markets-eb23ac11
And the leagues are starting to react. The NBA announced tighter restrictions around certain types of sports betting, while the WNBA was ultimately added to the leagues’ effort pushing for tougher action against bettors who threaten or harass athletes.
NBA BETTING RESTRICTIONS https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/2026/10/16/nba-sports-betting/3f77053e-c97b-11f1-aefb-abe4112d087e_story.html
WNBA + ATHLETE HARASSMENT EFFORT https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-players-unions-amend-betting-200106272.html
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you love, there are places to start.
National Problem Gambling Helpline Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET
https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/
Gamblers Anonymous Find in-person, virtual and telephone meetings.https://gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/
Gam-Anon Support for family members and loved ones affected by someone else’s gambling.https://gam-anon.org/
Follow Saul Malek’s work on gambling harm, prevention and recovery. https://saulmalek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/saulmalekspeaking/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/
If you or someo
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