Story perspectives

Journalist's Betting Addiction Sparks Concerns Over Sports Gambling

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

McKay Coppins, a practicing Mormon journalist for The Atlantic, began online sports betting with a $10,000 stake from his employer.
He treated it as entertainment but grew obsessed and lost the entire stake by season's end.
Coppins notes betting apps entice with promotions and easy access, fueling addiction as U.S. sports wagering rises and concerns about family impact grow.
Coppins will self-exclude from future betting to address his compulsive behavior.

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Story summary

McKay Coppins, a practicing Mormon journalist for The Atlantic, began online sports betting with a $10,000 stake from his employer.
He treated it as entertainment but grew obsessed and lost the entire stake by season's end.
Coppins notes betting apps entice with promotions and easy access, fueling addiction as U.S. sports wagering rises and concerns about family impact grow.
Coppins will self-exclude from future betting to address his compulsive behavior.