People have been gambling on sports for centuries, but new technology has stacked the odds against the gambler in novel ways. In “Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sports,” newly published in Canada, Irish author (and University of Toronto graduate), Britain-based writer Darragh McGee explains how betting apps and complex wagers have done expert work luring, tantalizing and ultimately disappointing bettors. Wagers on the last World Cup help tell the tale.
The second day of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a historic day for the underdogs. Saudi Arabia had just pulled off one of the greatest upsets by defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the early-morning kickoff. Having been one goal down in the first half, the Saudi comeback was priced as long as 500/1 at halftime. It was a long-shot to match any other.
