Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins, a practicing Latter-day Saint, spoke at Utah Valley University about his yearlong investigation into the online sports betting industry, which cost him nearly $10,000 in losses. Coppins told the audience he intentionally bet on sports for a year to understand the mechanics and psychology of an industry now legal in most U.S. states.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opposes gambling and counsels members to avoid it. Coppins' reporting examined how betting platforms use psychological techniques to encourage continued wagering, often targeting young men.

KSL reported that Coppins discussed lessons from the experience, including how quickly casual betting can become compulsive. His Atlantic investigation was published earlier this year.