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<\/p>\n\n Posted on: May 12, 2026, 03:33h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: May 12, 2026, 03:35h.\n <\/p>\n
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Casting call: the television production company responsible for such hits as \u201cMoonshiners\u201d and \u201cLong Island Medium\u201d is seeking gamblers for its next project.<\/p>\n
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A man losing at a slot machine is seen in a stock photograph. A prominent New York television production company is conducting a casting call for problem gamblers who managed to turn their lives around. (Image: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
Magilla Entertainment is a leader in New York City\u2019s non-scripted television industry.<\/p>\n
The production company has a lengthy credit list, which, along with \u201cMoonshiners and \u201cLong Island Medium,\u201d includes HGTV\u2019s \u201cBargain Hunt\u201d series, Discovery\u2019s \u201cConstables on Patrol,\u201d and ID\u2019s \u201cWho Hired the Hitman?\u201d Magilla also produced a one-hour Travel Channel special in 2011 called \u201cUltimate Travel: Vegas Insiders.\u201d<\/p>\n
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(Image: Magilla Entertainment)<\/p>\n
A go-to production house for numerous cable networks, Magilla\u2019s newest development hones in on the recent rise of sports betting and other forms of gambling. With gambling more mainstream than ever before, there are many concerns that rates of problem gambling are escalating, especially among young men.<\/p>\n
Problem Gamblers Wanted<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Magilla is developing a program \u201cin collaboration with a well-known platform\u201d that highlights the importance of gambling responsibly. The production company is amid a casting call for individuals who are willing to share their \u201chonest, real-life stories of struggle, resilience, and the path forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those who have \u201cexperienced a major fall from grace due to gambling\u201d but \u201cfound their way back\u201d are encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n
If that sounds like you, you\u2019re encouraged to email castingdirector@magilla.tv. Applicants should include a short, one- to two-minute video telling their story, as well as their name, location, phone number, and social media handles.<\/p>\n
\nYour story could help inspire and support others,\u201d Magilla said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The production will take place in New York City next Friday, May 22.<\/p>\n
Gaming Rise<\/b><\/p>\n
Since the US Supreme Court\u2019s May 2018 landmark ruling that allowed states to determine the legality of sports betting within their borders, the commercial gaming industry has repeatedly set new revenue records.<\/p>\n
In 2025, gross gaming revenue from commercial non-tribal operators, inclusive of casinos, iGaming, and sports betting, totaled $78.72 billion, a 9.2% year-over-year gain. 2025 marked the fifth consecutive year of record GGR. The $78.72 billion tally does not include revenue from tribal gaming, lotteries, prediction markets, online sweepstakes casinos, or skill games.<\/p>\n
Sports betting normalized betting, gambling that before the 2018 SCOTUS decision was limited to Nevada, local bookies, and offshore gambling websites. It\u2019s resulted in gambling being more prevalent than ever before.<\/p>\n
Sportsbooks and their casino partners have helped convert sports bettors to casino gamblers. And the recent emergence of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket has only further expanded what Americans can bet on.<\/p>\n
Adding fuel to the responsible gaming fire is that prediction markets are 18+. Responsible gaming advocates say exposing such young people to the platforms that allow trading on the NBA Playoffs and who will win this weekend\u2019s PGA Championship poses a great risk for more problem gambling horror stories in the future.<\/p>\n
A recent study from Morning Consult concluded that 77% of Americans believe prediction markets could \u201cincrease gambling-related harm among young adults.\u201d<\/p>\n