Prediction markets are changing the way people engage with risk, information, and even real-world events—and they may be the next major challenge in gambling and public health.

In this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery, Abdullah Mahmood, a counselor at Maryhaven in Columbus, Ohio, joins to unpack the rapid rise of prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi. Unlike traditional sports betting, these platforms allow users to bet against one another on outcomes ranging from elections to global crises.

Abdullah shares his journey into problem gambling treatment and highlights how these emerging platforms are already impacting clients—especially those transitioning from sports betting after exclusion. We explore the parallels between the gambling boom and the opioid epidemic, the ethical concerns of betting on real-world tragedies, and the growing integration of prediction markets into mainstream media.

This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians, policymakers, and anyone concerned about the evolving landscape of gambling and its impact on individuals and communities.

About the Guest:

Abdullah Mahmood, LSW, LICDC-GAMB, ICGC-I, OCPS, ICPS, started working with clients at Maryhaven several years ago, before becoming the Administrative Coordinator of the Gambling Intervention Program. He has worked extensively in prevention, treatment, administration, as well as having direct services with clients with mental health concerns, clients with substance use disorder, and clients with disordered gambling.

Abdullah attended Columbus State Community College for his associate’s degree, attended The Ohio State University, for his bachelor’s degree in social work, and lastly Cleveland State University for his master’s in social work. You can learn more about Abdullah and find ways to connect in the podcast notes.

Links:

• https://maryhaven.com/gambling/
• https://www.gamfin.org

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Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier. This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery. Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field. Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery. Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.