The clever trick used by sports betting apps

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Shannon Odell |

TED-Ed

• May 2025

Sports gambling has become more popular than ever. Mobile apps make it easier to place bets anywhere or anytime, especially for young people who make up the fastest-growing demographic. And the sports betting apps work just like the games in a casino— built to ensure that the house always wins. So, what exactly are the tricks these apps use? Shannon Odell shares what keeps you playing and paying. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by André Aires].