99. A Big Gamble for Ohio: Talking Sports Betting with Rob Moore

On the new episode of Prognosis Ohio, Dan Skinner talks with Rob Moore of Scioto Analysis about the legalization of sports betting in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law in December, which will open the door to betting on professional, college and e-sports by 2023, though it seems like some legislators are keen to try to bump this date up.

The centerpiece of the conversation is a report Rob posted to the Scioto Analysis website, which brings together the views of a variety of economists from Ohio’s colleges and universities. Dan and Rob discuss concerns about problem gambling, including addiction, disparities and inequities, but also ask what the supposed economic benefits of sports betting might be to Ohio, while laying out some of the potential dangers. 

A few references and links:

Read the report of the Scioto Analysis survey, entitled “Ohio Economists Tepid on Legalized Sports Betting,” And here is the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Industry Data that Rob mentions. Rob also mentions a study, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which you can read here.

You can read the DSM-5’s criteria for gambling disorder here. 

On the episode, Dan mentioned Frank Luntz, the Republican pollster and rhetoric consultant. You can read about his intersection with gambling here. 

Some name checks if you’d like to read up: John Rawls and Nate Silver (and 538.com)

Rob’s been on the show in the past. Check out his appearances here.

This episode was hosted and produced by Dan Skinner. Music by Kyle Rosenberger.

Prognosis Ohio is a part of the WCBE Podcast Experience and a member of the Health Podcast Network.