Swipe. Bet. Repeat: Sports Betting, Fan Culture, and the Slippery Slope We’re Ignoring

·28 min·2 clips

Candice Sampson explores how sports betting apps have reshaped fan culture and blurred the line between spectator and gambler.

Candice Sampson introduces the episode by noting the ubiquity of sports betting in ads and on jerseys. Guest Deborah Wainwright explains her documentary examines how app-based betting has reshaped fandom. She cites legalization timelines: 2018 in the U.S. and 2023 in Canada. Deborah references expert Danny Funt on how prop bets—wagers on individual athlete behaviors—increase temptation for athletes to influence games. The host asks about darker impacts, like death threats to athletes after bad games. Deborah notes betting personalizes losses, making athletes seem like investments. The conversation shifts to why the documentary centers women bettors, despite male dominance in betting. Deborah says they wanted to subtly show women are gambling too, without making it a headline. She mentions women often emphasize community in betting, unlike men. Characters include Monet, a medical professional who does daily parlays, and Jessica, who started after a dream and beginner's luck. Amber engages in fantasy sports, aiming for a career. Deborah discusses addiction concerns, with characters aware of the slippery slope. She notes industry efforts like betting limits but points out conflicts for sportsbooks. The episode concludes with Deborah advising viewers to watch games for fun, as sportsbooks always win. The documentary streams on CBC Gem.

As heard by us

A clear look at app-based sports betting, fandom, and the communities women are building around the shift.

Sports betting now sits inside jerseys, broadcasts, and the phone in a fan's hand. What She Said! follows Deborah Wainwright of Lake Tide Media as she discusses Swipe, Bet, Repeat, a film about legalized app-based sports betting, fandom, and women bettors.

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Why you'd press play

You want to know when sports fandom starts feeling like a bet waiting to happen.

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