Every week, Gamble On listeners hear Poker Hall of Famer Phil Hellmuth’s voice utter the words, “Gamble on, fellas, gamble on,” and they know it’s time for another audio infusion of gambling news, views, interviews, and bankroll blues.

Here’s a taste of what Episode 274 of the leading industry podcast from our friends at US Bets, hosted by Eric Raskin and Jeff Edelstein, had to offer …

To kick off 2024, Gamble On welcomed guest Matt Rybaltowski, a senior analyst right here at Sports Handle, for an interview focused largely on the major business stories in the gaming world that he’s expecting to be tracking over the next 12 months.

Rybaltowski says the most intriguing business story surrounds Entain’s decision over what to do with its 50% stake in BetMGM. He noted that Entain’s stock has jumped 20% since the departure of CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen:

“That shows that the wheels are turning and, at least from the activist point of view, there’s pressure for Entain to make some sort of move here.”

Investigative reporter Rybaltowski also dug into the way activist investors are circling around PENN Entertainment, saying by 2025 or ’26, “I think you really have to see ESPN BET do well, or some of these activist investors are going to try to take control of the PENN board.”

A compelling discussion followed from there when Edelstein asked Rybaltowski if ESPN BET might enter the New York sports betting market via Wynn BET’s license:

— US Bets (@US_Bets) January 5, 2024

Rybaltowski, who broke the news last year about Indianapolis Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers’ gambling suspension from the NFL, also gave his take on how Rodgers, now in the Eagles organization, could turn his massive mistakes made in 2022 into a positive for himself and the league:

“Rodgers could really serve as the voice for young players, hammering down that point that, is it really worth it to make a bet, of $1000, or $10, $20 here or there, if you’re going to [cost yourself] an $80 million contract?”

— lyle (@lyletheacadian) January 4, 2024

The online streets are teeming with sharp bettors sharing advice that just may help people beat the books. Raskin and Edelstein are also online and like to place wagers.

This week’s notable bankroll bets:

Raskin’s Bagels & Locks “lock” of the week (8-6 on the season so far): Giants +5.5 vs. Eagles

Edelstein’s Bagels & Locks “lock” of the week (9-5 on the season so far): Giants +5.5 vs. Eagles

Edelstein ends every episode with parting thoughts, and this week, he dug deep into his envy of the fantasy player who won $3 million in this year’s biggest Underdog best ball contest.

“I desperately need to be crowned an Underdog champion. It’s started to have a negative effect on my life that I’m not — especially and specifically because the first Underdog tournament I ever entered, Best Ball Mania II, I landed in the damn finals. I lost badly, but I had a taste. Now, I want it all. Not only do I want Underdog street cred, I want passive income as well. That’s the American dream, my friend.”