Does This Teacher Have the Cure for Gambling Addiction?

ODAAT Gambling Awareness Podcast with Rob Minnick, September 2025

 

One in five young males are at high risk for problem gambling, a statistic that alarms Colorado math teacher Arty Smith. In this episode, Arty shares how his decades of teaching led him to create a gambling awareness curriculum blending math, data science, and storytelling. We cover why schools are unprepared for this crisis, how short-term wins fuel overconfidence, the role of fantasy sports, and why education—not denial—is the best defense. Arty breaks down the math behind sports betting, the signs of problem gambling, and how communities can protect kids. Together, we explore whether schools should teach abstinence or “responsible” gambling, and why every high school needs this conversation now.  link

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How One Independent School Educator Is Tackling the Rise in Student Gambling

Independent School Moonshot Podcast with Peter Baron, July 2025

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What if sports gambling becomes the next unspoken crisis on your campus?

 

In this compelling episode, Arty Smith, a longtime independent school educator and founder of the Gambling Awareness Initiative, unpacks the growing influence of sports betting among teenagers, especially senior boys.

Drawing on his background in statistics and data science, Arty outlines why sports betting is uniquely hard to detect, why it's so appealing to adolescents, and how independent schools are often unprepared for this emerging risk.  Far from a moral panic, Arty brings a grounded, academic lens to the topic, showing how data literacy and cognitive bias education can inoculate students against the illusion of control that fuels gambling behavior. Heads of school, deans, advisors, and parents will walk away with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how to support students and their communities in the face of a rapidly expanding industry. link

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Coaching, Teaching, and Tackling Sports Gambling: Insights with Arty Smith

Contacts Coaching Podcast with Justin Clymo, May 2025

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In this episode of the Contacts Coaching Podcast, host Justin welcomes Arty Smith, a former head soccer coach and AP Stats and Data Science teacher at Kent Denver School. Arty shares his journey into teaching and coaching, detailing the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses his passion for statistics and data science, and how he pioneered elective courses to teach these subjects through sports and social justice issues. Arty also touches on his successful coaching tenure, reflecting on his evolution as a coach and the importance of leadership and effort in building a strong team culture. Recently, Arty has turned his attention to addressing the growing issue of sports gambling among high school students. He highlights the prevalence of gambling, the mathematical realities that make it a losing proposition, and the importance of educating young people to make informed decisions. Tune in to hear his insights and learn about his new educational venture aimed at combating this emerging problem. link

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