What happens when you can bet on anything?

What happens when you can bet on anything?

From This Is Uncomfortable by Marketplace

March 26, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

This episode explores the normalization of gambling through prediction markets and its impact on money perception and social connections.

Betting used to mean going to a brick-and-mortar casino or placing a wager with a bookie. Now, with the rise of prediction markets, people can bet online on real-world events — from elections and the weather to cultural moments and global news — but at what cost? In this episode, Reema talks with clinical psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Fong and financial psychology expert Hanna Horvath about how gambling is becoming more normalized and woven into everyday life. What does that shift do to how we think about money, how we understand risk, and how we relate to the world around us? Even if you don’t gamble, we’re curious to hear more about the connection between loneliness and spending. What does that look like in your life? Give us a call at 347-RING-TIU or send us an email at uncomfortable@marketplace.org . And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok ! If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available in every state. You can call The National Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-800-GAMBLER.

People in this episode

Host: Reema

Guests: Dr. Timothy Fong, Hanna Horvath

Topics covered

  • gambling
  • prediction markets
  • financial psychology
  • risk
  • money
  • loneliness
  • cultural moments

Keywords

  • betting
  • online gambling
  • real-world events
  • financial behavior
  • risk assessment
  • loneliness
  • cultural impact

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The National Problem Gambling Help Line, Marketplace

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