Discussing “Vice in an Internet Age”

While there is nothing new about vice, the internet and smartphones have made it more accessible than ever before, as online gambling becomes ubiquitous and streaming pornography becomes de facto sex education. American men appear particularly inclined to participate as more than half of men ages 18-49 have an active sportsbook account. In our increasingly pluralistic world, we tend not to cast judgement on others, but there are things that we can and should consider regulating that seem to be working against the flourishing of our society at this moment in time.

Join us for this candid conversation with Charles Fain Lehman, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and sports betting expert, about the unique effects on online betting on American men and understanding how as policymakers charged with promoting the general welfare, where online betting of all varieties fits into that call. 

Please RSVP to Johnny by COB on Friday June 12th to ensure we order sufficient food.

Suggested Reading: 

• Charles Fain Lehman in City Journal on predictions markets
• McKay Coppins in The Atlantic detailing his sports betting experiment (If you don’t have a subscription to The Atlantic, happy to send you the PDF.)

• Christine Emba in The Atlantic on the gamification of daily life. 
• Interview with Dr. Jonathan Cohen on current state 
• Online Sports Betting is Draining Household Savings
• Video of Friday Forum discussion 

Charles Fain Lehman is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. He focuses primarily on the public policy of antisocial behavior, including issues of crime, drugs, and public disorder. His work has appeared in outlets including the New York Times, Atlantic, Wall Street Journal, and National Review. He has discussed policy issues before the Senate, House of Representatives, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Prior to joining the Manhattan Institute in 2021, Charles was a staff writer at the Washington Free Beacon. Charles is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and now lives outside Washington, D.C., with his wife and sons.