Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

Pushkin
Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

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Journalist and bestselling author Michael Lewis explores the figures in American life who rely on the public's trust, whether in sports, in business, in the courtroom, or on TV. What happens when that trust erodes and we can no longer agree on what's fair and what's not? In the latest season of his podcast, Michael takes on America’s newest form of legalized gambling, sports betting, and how it’s changing what it means to be a player…a teenager…and most of all, a fan. iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.

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  1. Episode 1: What’s Wrong with Eric?

    EPISODE 1

    Episode 1: What’s Wrong with Eric?

    Sports fans experience incredible highs and lows, and spend loads of money on a product over which they have no control. But for a long time, no one bothered to study the minds or impulses of fans. Michael Lewis finds out how that's changing as writers and academics learn more about the powerful psychology of fandom. Just in time for technology to exploit fandom more than ever. For further reading:  Eric Simons’ book The Secret Lives of Sports Fans Research by Murray State University psychology professor Daniel Wann on fandom: https://murraystate.academia.edu/DanielWann The Henry Tajfel Experiments   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min
  2. Episode 2: Values of the Game

    EPISODE 2

    Episode 2: Values of the Game

    Bill Bradley was already famous in college as the epitome of certain American virtues: integrity, honesty, and athleticism. As an NBA star, he took those virtues to the big leagues. As a US Senator, he had a chance to codify some of them into law and prevent the rise of sports betting. But at the same time, others in Bradley's state were making huge money on this illicit form of gambling. For further reading: John McPhee’s A Sense of Where You Are American Bettors Voice, non-profit advocacy for sports bettors co-founded by Gadoon “Spanky” Kryollos. Bill Bradley’s Values of the Game David Hill's The Vapors: Southern Family, the New York Mob, and the Rise and Fall of Hot Springs, America's Forgotten Capital of Vice Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.https://www.congress.gov/bill/102nd-congress/senate-bill/474 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  3. Episode 3: Welcome to the Garden State

    EPISODE 3

    Episode 3: Welcome to the Garden State

    How did we get from fantasy sports to legalized sports betting? The path is convoluted, but most of it winds through New Jersey. Michael Lewis speaks with former governor Chris Christie, among other Jersey politicians, as well as lobbyists for the gaming industry. Plus we hear from Ted Olson, the lawyer who kept bringing the Garden State’s constitutional challenge until it finally reached the Supreme Court — and hit a jackpot. For further reading: Albert Chen’s Billion Dollar Fantasy Murphy v. NCAA ESPN timeline of how sports betting was legalized SCOTUS Blog: The Tenth Amendment, Anti-Commandeering and Sports Betting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  4. Episode 4: A Hard Way to Make an Easy Living

    EPISODE 4

    Episode 4: A Hard Way to Make an Easy Living

    Michael Lewis heads to Las Vegas to explore the way sports betting used to work, up until the day it was rapidly legalized by states around the country. We meet the betting sharps who figured out what others couldn’t and set the odds for other bookies. That is, up until everyone seemed to have a casino on their smartphone. But the new online casino differs from the old ones in an important way: It doesn’t take all bets. For further reading:  Edward Thorp’s Beat the Dealer “Cigars, Booze, Money: How a Lobbying Blitz Made Sports Betting Ubiquitous” by  Eric Lipton and Kenneth P. Vogel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min
  5. Episode 5: The Mule

    EPISODE 5

    Episode 5: The Mule

    The role has many names: “Runner,” “mover,” “betting partner,” and “mule.” As skilled sports gamblers find themselves limited on apps, they turn to these affiliates to place their bets in return for a piece of the proceeds. Against the Rules decides to explore this murky world by signing up for mule-dom with one of the world’s most skilled sports bettors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  6. Episode 6: VIP

    EPISODE 6

    Episode 6: VIP

    What does it mean to be a “very important person” in the world of online sports betting? Not necessarily what you think. We hear from recovering gambling addicts and state regulators frustrated with some of the perverse incentives to keep people on a losing streak. Meanwhile, our show’s own producers hope for a VIP night at the concert of the year. For further reading: Legalizing Sports Gambling Was a Huge Mistake by Charles Fain Lehman.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  7. Episode 7: Little Big Short

    EPISODE 7

    Episode 7: Little Big Short

    As a resident of California, Michael Lewis cannot place bets on any of the online sports books at the center of this season. They’re not allowed to operate in the state. But why? We hear from pastors, Native Americans and short-sellers about why a handful of states are still holding out, and why those efforts are most likely doomed. For further reading: Steve Ruddock’s gaming newsletter Straight to the Point Inside the $400 million fight to control California sports betting by Gus Garcia-Roberts, Washington Post. This episode has been corrected to reflect the accurate title of Victor Rocha. He is Conference Chair of the Indian Gaming Association, not the Chair. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  8. Episode 8: The Integrity Landscape

    EPISODE 8

    Episode 8: The Integrity Landscape

    Has betting based on inside intel on games gone down since sports gambling was legalized in the US? Not really, as Michael Lewis finds out. But what's gone up is misery for athletes. We hear from Atlanta Hawks forward Larry Nance, Jr. about the rage, threats and wheedling that pro athletes now endure. The NCAA, former Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker, is trying to protect student athletes on campus, while their friends all bet on them, often underaged. Overall, the “integrity landscape” for US sports looks more and more pot-holed by the day. For further reading: NCAA sports wagering survey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    38 min
See All Season 5 (22)

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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Journalist and bestselling author Michael Lewis explores the figures in American life who rely on the public's trust, whether in sports, in business, in the courtroom, or on TV. What happens when that trust erodes and we can no longer agree on what's fair and what's not? In the latest season of his podcast, Michael takes on America’s newest form of legalized gambling, sports betting, and how it’s changing what it means to be a player…a teenager…and most of all, a fan. iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.

Information

  • Channel
    Pushkin
  • Creator
    Pushkin Industries
  • Episodes
    99
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Pushkin Industries
  • Show Website
    Against the Rules with Michael Lewis
  • Provider

    Pushkin Industries Inc. has identified itself as a trader for this podcast and confirmed that this product or service complies with European Union law. Address 5-9 Union Square West New York New York 10003 United States Phone Number +1 6094235184 Email feeds@pushkin.fm

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