Swipe. Bet. Repeat: Sports Betting, Fan Culture, and the Slippery Slope We’re Ignoring
From What She Said! by Candace Sampson
February 6, 2026 · 28 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the impact of app-based sports betting on fan behavior and the sports industry with filmmaker Deborah Wainwright.
Sports betting is everywhere, and it’s changing more than just how we watch the game. In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Deborah Wainwright, director of the documentary Swipe. Bet. Repeat., to talk about the rapid rise of app-based sports betting, how it’s reshaping fan behaviour, and why athletes are increasingly becoming the face of wins, losses, and even threats.We dig into how betting apps have blurred the line between fandom and gambling, why prop bets have shifted the psychology of watching sports, and what happens when money turns players into investments. We also talk about why Deb chose to centre women bettors in the film, what she learned about community and risk, and why the idea that “the house always wins” still holds true.If you’ve ever placed a bet, thought about placing one, or wondered how this all got so big so fast, this conversation will change how you watch your next game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Candace Sampson
Guest: Deborah Wainwright
Topics covered
- sports betting
- fan culture
- gambling
- women bettors
- psychology of sports
- community
- risk
Keywords
- sports betting
- fan behavior
- gambling apps
- women bettors
- psychology
- community
- risk
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Swipe. Bet. Repeat.
More episodes of What She Said!
- She Mailed a $1 Million Cheque to the CRA on Purpose, with Emma Davis · June 5, 2026 · 52 min
- How Neuroplasticity Can Change Your Brain at Any Age, with Tara Bonner of Arrowsmith Program · January 30, 2026 · 1h 17m
- AI, Automation, and the Loss of Human Connection with Joanne Morrison · January 23, 2026 · 41 min
- Perfecting the Pivot: Tanya Hayles on Layoffs, Reinvention, Personal Branding, and AI for Women · January 16, 2026 · 1h 21m
- Medical Gaslighting: The System Failing Women’s Health with Nam Kiwanuka · December 26, 2025 · 52 min
- Made in Canada, Priced Out by America: Encircled’s Kristi Soomer on Tariffs, Fast Fashion, and the Fight to Survive · December 12, 2025 · 54 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the What She Said! podcast page.