Gambling. At least 38 states have legalized sports betting, following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling. Many sports leagues and networks have since partnered with platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings to cash in on the $120 billion sports gambling industry. While fans are encouraged to make their bets, professional and collegiate athletes are told to stay away from certain bookies amid concerns it could influence how they perform. Still, that hasn’t stopped some players.
Give me the play-by-play.
In recent years, a number of gambling scandals have rocked pro and college sports leagues. Just this week, the NBA confirmed it’s investigating a Toronto Raptors player amid suspicious betting activity. Meanwhile, LA Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is facing questions over his interpreter’s alleged $4.5 million in illegal wagers. Now, some are calling for a new game plan on sports betting.
Like…?
The NCAA wants to ban player prop bets, when fans cast wagers on things like the number of points or rebounds a player makes. At least three states already do so. One Democratic lawmaker wants to take federal action. A bill introduced earlier this month would aim to in part stop gambling platforms from airing commercials during live sporting events. TBD if the odds are in their favor.
theSkimm
The sports industry has weathered scandals before. Yet, the rise in sports betting has leagues facing questions about their credibility and integrity, especially when their players are involved.
Sam Bankman-Fried. Yesterday, a judge sentenced crypto’s former golden boy to 25 years in prison for defrauding investors. A jury found SBF guilty last year of stealing over $8 billion from FTX customers to pay for his other crypto company, Alameda Research. SBF's sentencing is far shorter than the 40 to 50 years prosecutors asked for. Still, this marks an end to one of the largest fraud cases in US history...for now. SBF plans to appeal his conviction, but said “at the end of the day, my useful life is probably over now.”
What’s giving people more options…
The US Census. Yesterday, the government announced it’s updating the federal survey to include more options for Hispanics and people of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) heritage. It’sthe first update to the census’s ethnic and race section since 1997. Starting in 2030, the census will combine the race and ethnicity questions. For the first time, there will also be boxes for people of MENA descent. The changes are to address critics who've said the current census doesn't capture the country's diversity. Experts say the new data could be used to shape voting districts and policy.
What could be costing you more this season…
Easter Bunny chocolate. The cost of cocoa reached a high of $10,000 a ton for the first time this week, and that cost could be passed on to customers. Crop viruses and climate change have hit West African farmers hard — which is where 70% of the world’s cocoa beans come from. Some chocolate makers might melt under pressure, forcing them to raise their prices, use less cocoa, or downsize their candy bars. Other candymakers may push things like marshmallows and jelly beans. Peeps, anyone?
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A must-watch if you’re planning your PTO.
This travel photographer swears running is the best way to explore a new city. So we asked her to reveal the best cities in the world to see by foot (yes, walking counts).*
Freshen up your pup’s bowl with delicious, human-grade food made from real, gently cooked meats and veggies delivered riiiight to your door. Psst…Skimm’rs get a major discount off their first box.*
3. An under-$200 baby shower gift new parents will love.
Busy parents call this best-selling bouncer a “lifesaver” for a reason. A few reasons, actually: It’s lightweight, portable, and provides ergonomic support. Plus, it comes with a toy bar so baby stays entertained.*
5. A science-backed wellness program that can help you stay motivated.
No matter how busy things get. This app uses psychology to help you build healthier habits, then actually stick to them. Plus, Skimm'rs cantry it free for 14 days.*
Psst…love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).
THESKIMM: HERE'S WHAT'S NEXT
theSkimm helps you tackle your to-do lists, whether you're refinancing your loans or choosing a daycare for the first time. We talk to experts and real women to empower you to make decisions faster and with more confidence. Check out our guides to get started.
PS: Your feedback makes a big impact. Let us know what you like, what could be improved, and most importantly, if we helped you get sh*t done. Share your thoughts.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Spencer Sloe (NY), theSkimm's Caroline Goldstein (NY), Michael Chesner (NY), Andrew Labovitz (GA), Elizabeth Olsem (IA), Mary Hill (VA), Sarah Wickman (CO), Avalon Thomas-Roebal (IL), Jessica Parlon (MA), Allison Blakley Stoker (TX), Anne Greif (WI), Hannah Rabinowitz (NY), Jennifer Pietrofere (NY), Alex Pinon (NC), Jules Kelley (MA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm'd by: Rashaan Ayesh, Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez, and Maria del Carmen Corpus
