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Addiction: An Hour With Auer

Addiction: An Hour With Auer

By: The Gambling Files Presents
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 Gambling addiction expert Dr Michael Auer co-hosts this unique podcast where we discuss addiction in a holistic way with experts from around the world.Copyright 2026 The Gambling Files Presents Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Addiction 21: Dr Sarah Nelson talks data, regulations, awareness and much more

    Addiction 21: Dr Sarah Nelson talks data, regulations, awareness and much more
    Mar 17 2026

    In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Dr. Sarah Nelson, a leading researcher in gambling addiction who works at Harvard University. They discuss the complexities of gambling addiction, particularly in the context of the evolving landscape of sports gambling in the US. The conversation covers the challenges of accessing data for research, the regulatory environment, and the importance of education and awareness in preventing gambling-related issues. Dr. Nelson emphasises the need for tailored interventions and the significance of understanding the lived experiences of gamblers to inform research and policy.

    What we talk about, but in a list:

    1. Gambling addiction is a multifaceted issue that requires comprehensive understanding.
    2. The US sports gambling landscape presents unique challenges compared to other countries.
    3. Access to real-world data is crucial for effective gambling research.
    4. Regulatory frameworks for gambling vary significantly across states in the US.
    5. Education and awareness about gambling risks are essential for prevention.
    6. Understanding the time spent on gambling is as important as financial losses.
    7. Intervention strategies must be relevant and resonate with the target audience.
    8. Talking to gamblers can provide insights into effective messaging and interventions.
    9. The gambling environment is rapidly changing, necessitating ongoing research.
    10. Vulnerabilities to gambling addiction exist at various levels, including among collegiate athletes.


    Choice quotes:

    1. "Vulnerabilities exist at all levels."
    2. "Regulations vary by state in the US."
    3. "Education and awareness are crucial."


    Chapters (but add about 52 seconds on because of the intro and the music):

    1. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
    2. 04:59 Understanding the Research Landscape
    3. 10:02 The Unique Challenges of US Sports Gambling
    4. 14:59 Data Access and Research Opportunities
    5. 20:00 Regulatory Environment and Its Implications
    6. 25:10 Education and Awareness in Gambling
    7. 30:11 The Complexity of Gambling Addiction
    8. 34:50 Future Directions in Gambling Research


    Sarah Nelson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-nelson-3178813b/


    Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world.


    Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/

    Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/

    Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/

    Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/

    Other podcasts we do:

    https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/

    https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/
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    46 mins
  • Addiction 20 – Danny Funt: Understanding the Shift in Sports Betting Attitudes

    Addiction 20 – Danny Funt: Understanding the Shift in Sports Betting Attitudes
    Mar 10 2026
    In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer engage with Danny Funt, author of 'Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling.' They explore the rapid evolution of sports betting in the U.S., the shifting attitudes of sports leagues, the challenges of regulation, and the implications for public health. The conversation delves into the VIP experience in sports betting, the need for national prevalence studies on gambling addiction, and the future of online casinos. The episode highlights the importance of player protection, especially in college sports, and discusses the economic impact of sports betting legislation.What we talk about, but in a list: Danny Funt's book explores the rapid changes in U.S. sports gambling.The gambling industry played a key role in legalization efforts.Public health concerns are rising alongside increased gambling access.The U.S. lacks a national prevalence study on gambling addiction.VIP experiences in sports betting can lead to problematic behavior.Regulation in the U.S. is lagging compared to other countries.The normalization of gambling is a contentious issue.Economic benefits of sports betting are often overstated.Player protection in college sports is a significant concern.The future of online casinos remains uncertain in many states.Choice quotes: "The convergence of a few things changed everything.""The U.S. was oblivious to lessons learned elsewhere.""The VIP experience is so out of control in the U.S."Chapters (but you’ll need to add maybe a minute to this. Also, the episode is about an hour long so I have no idea why the last chapter is at 45 minutes here. Crazy.): 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests03:09 Danny Funt's Journey into Sports Gambling06:03 The Shift in Attitudes Towards Sports Betting09:07 The Role of the Gambling Industry in Legalization12:02 Challenges in Regulation and Preparedness14:51 Public Health Concerns and Advertising Issues17:53 The Need for National Prevalence Studies21:10 Understanding Low-Risk Gambling Thresholds23:51 The VIP Experience in Sports Betting27:09 The Impact of Online Betting on Behaviour29:59 The Future of Online Casinos in the U.S.33:00 The Role of Lotteries in Gambling Regulation36:01 The Future of Sports Betting Legislation39:00 The Importance of Player Protection in College Sports41:55 The Economic Impact of Sports Betting44:55 Conclusion and Future OutlookDanny Funt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-funt-2695b4a3/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/
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    58 mins
  • Addiction 19: Gambling mechanisms in video games and more, with Brett Abarbanel

    Addiction 19: Gambling mechanisms in video games and more, with Brett Abarbanel
    Mar 3 2026
    In this episode, hosts Jon Bruford and Dr. Michael Auer discuss the intersection of gaming and gambling, focusing on the evolution of loot boxes and their legal implications. Joined by Brett Abarbanel, they explore the psychological aspects of gaming addiction, market dynamics, and the future of gaming regulations. The conversation highlights the complexities of the gaming industry, the role of game developers, and the ongoing debates surrounding gambling-like mechanics in video games.What we talk about, but in a list: The gaming industry is evolving rapidly, with significant overlaps with gambling.Loot boxes are increasingly viewed as gambling mechanisms by regulators.Legal interpretations of loot boxes vary significantly across jurisdictions.Market dynamics in gaming can affect the value of in-game items.The psychological impact of gaming and gambling is an area needing more research.There is a lack of access to player behavior data in gaming compared to gambling.The concept of scarcity plays a crucial role in the value of in-game items.Regulatory bodies are beginning to pay more attention to gaming mechanics.The gaming community often uses specific language that may not translate to traditional gambling discussions.The future of gaming regulations remains uncertain as the industry continues to grow.Choice quotes: "I know all about that.""Get wiser with the Kaiser.""It's the Wild West."Chapters (Add a minute or so on though, because I tacked an ad read and the music on the start):00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship Announcement03:00 Guest Introduction and Background06:03 Exploring Video Games and Gambling08:55 The Evolution of Loot Boxes11:54 Legal Perspectives on Loot Boxes15:04 The Impact of Regulations on Gaming18:11 Historical Context of Chance in Games21:11 Microtransactions and Financial Models23:57 Consumer Behavior and Gaming Dynamics31:46 The Evolution of Digital Collectibles34:43 The Impact of Game Developers on Market Dynamics39:01 Market Volatility and Player Behavior44:24 The Intersection of Gambling and Gaming51:45 Research Gaps in Gaming and Addiction56:00 The Future of Gaming and Market RegulationDr Brett Abarbanel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettabarbanel/Addiction: An Hour With Auer is a weekly podcast where hosts Dr Michael Auer – he of the title – and Jon Bruford talk about addiction in all its forms. Not just gambling addiction, they discuss all forms of addiction with experts, academics and researchers from around the world. Dr Auer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-auer-51a48a/Jon Bruford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-bruford-84346636/Podcast homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/addiction/Media behemoth homepage: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/Other podcasts we do: https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/the-gambling-files/https://www.thegamblingfiles.com/dessert-island-discs/
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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