“I love gambling. I’ve gambled my whole life. Not only do I think it’s enjoyable, but I actually do strongly believe there are a lot of things you can learn from it... But yeah, I think, as you said, I always felt that sort of tension.” – Isaac Rose-Berman
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In this episode, I chat with Isaac Rose-Berman, a fellow at the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) who specializes in gambling research and policy. Isaac is also the author of the “How Gambling Works” Substack newsletter, which puts him in two diametrically opposed worlds: that of a gambler and a responsible gambling advocate.
Isaac shares his journey from childhood card games to professional poker and sports betting during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses balancing his passion for gambling with critiquing its harms, often positioning himself as a nuanced voice in a polarized debate.
We touch on numerous topics, from the educational value of gambling to professional vs. recreational gambling, including the emotional toll and zero-sum nature of gambling.
We also discuss prediction markets, sports integrity scandals, micro-bets, and the possibility of imposing limits in high-stakes games to prevent harm.
