Online sports betting is now part of everyday life in Australia. But how do betting apps actually work, and why are they so hard to ignore? 

In this episode, Dr Daniel Bennett explores the psychology behind modern betting products, and how they are designed to keep people hooked. He explains how features like in-play betting, cash-out options and constant advertising shape our behaviour – often in ways we don't notice. Dr Bennett also discusses the risks of gambling, including who is most affected and why, and what can be done to reduce harm. 

Related links: 
A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm (2024 report by the Grattan Institute)
The 4 Corners report about the NT Racing and Wagering Commission.

If you or anyone you know needs support or help for gambling, please contact Gambling Help Online (or on 1800 858 858). 

Online sports betting is now part of everyday life in Australia. But how do betting apps actually work, and why are they so hard to ignore?&nbsp;
In this episode, <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/476033-daniel-bennett">Dr Daniel Bennett</a> explores the psychology behind modern betting products, and how they are designed to keep people hooked. He explains how features like in-play betting, cash-out options and constant advertising shape our behaviour &ndash; often in ways we don't notice. Dr Bennett also discusses the risks of gambling, including who is most affected and why, and what can be done to reduce harm.&nbsp;
Related links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/a-better-bet-how-australia-should-prevent-gambling-harm-2/">A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm</a> (2024 report by the Grattan Institute)</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-06/nt-betting-regulator-accused-close-industry-four-corners/105848692">The 4 Corners report</a> about the NT Racing and Wagering Commission.</li>
</ul>
If you or anyone you know needs support or help for gambling, please contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">Gambling Help Online</a> (or on 1800 858 858).&nbsp;

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

 

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work &ndash; and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s School of Psychological Sciences.
&nbsp;

Modern life explored by psychology experts