How Gambling Hijacked Sport, and Hooked a New Generation of Fans

About this event

"How Gambling Hijacked Sport, and Hooked a New Generation of Fans" with Dr Darragh McGee Summary: It has never been easier to stake a bet. Wall-to-wall adverts are a relentless feature of virtually every sporting event, imploring a new generation of fans to ‘cash in’ on their knowledge, raise the stakes and become part of the game. The mobile slot machine in your pocket is all you need to unlock an immersive world in which gambling is faceless and frictionless, available 24/7, on almost any aspect of any sport. Drawing from his new book, Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport , author and academic Darragh McGee reveals how a new wave of online gambling brands inveigled their way into our lives like never before and became globe-straddling behemoths extracting billions each year. He will trace the extraordinary stories of a new wave of digital brands which revolutionised how we bet on sport, pairing the cutting-edge technologies of the Silicon Valley with all the addictive alchemy that was once caged away in casinos of Las Vegas. He’ll then delve into how gambling brands became genius marketers, why it pays to read the small print of inducements that appear too good to be true, and what dark arts are at play from the moment sports fans first download a gambling app. From age-old psychological tricks of the casino trade to new-age design tactics, Darragh will reveal the hidden reasons why the gambling brands have a more fool-proof formula for profiting from sports fans than ever before. Bio: Dr Darragh McGee is an Associate Professor in the Department for Health at the University of Bath, and an authority on the changing relationship between gambling and sport. He has led a decade of cutting-edge research into the growth of online sports gambling, including its public health impacts on a new generation of young people. His research and writing have featured in global media outlets, including The Guardian, BBC, Wired, the Sunday Times, and Men’s Health. He holds a doctorate from the University of Toronto, Canada, and was named a BBC New Generation Thinker in 2020. His latest book, Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport , was published by The Bodley Head (Penguin Random House) in May 2026. Venue: Pizza East Shoreditch E1 6JJ Event Running Time: (We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only) Doors from 7pm Introduction: 7:25pm Lecture: 7:30pm Q&A: 8:10pm Finish: 8:30pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.