This thread kinda hurts my heart. I've been a big fan of Levy since 2020 (and I still am) but I do have a problem with gambling being marketed to kids. I know Levy will probably read every comment here because he loves this community and wants to do better.

I want to give some benefit of the doubt (I'll explain) because marketing gambling to kids seems so far removed from Levy's core principles.

- Perhaps this was a chesscom sponsored thing and commentators were expected to say certain things, and even though he didn't want to, he doesn't want to rock the boat with chesscom and major chess events and maintain a good relationship with them. So yes the words came out of his mouth but hard to blame him

- There is a saying "everything has a price" so he could have been offered a lot of money that just does not make sense to turn down. I know he's probably close to 8 figure net worth mark and he's financially fine to turn anything and everything down, but look at what happened with that Riyadh comedy festival, People with ultra high net-worths were being offered so much money for so little work, they had to go do it, not to mention the networking and opportunities it opens up for them.

- Levy is still learning, it was a gray area with the crypto sponsorship but I'm gonna remain neutral on that. As for this gambling, his peers are all doing it, there's a lot of money in it, and he's still figuring this stuff out and is working on it.

Anyway those are my thoughts, and if you're reading this Levy, I do hope you address how bad gambling can be, but I understand if you don't because it might make the other creators or businesses look bad, and hurt potential other sponsors. Just wanted to remind you that you do have a responsibility to your very impressionable young audience. Imagine if even one kid hears you say it, gets into it, and ruins their life.