Episode 9

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Published on:

26th May 2025

Episode 9: Smoking, drinking, and gambling… are Gen Z turning away?

Smoking was out. Gambling was shady. And alcohol? Optional. But lately… it feels like the vices are back—and stronger (and more profitable) than ever. In this episode of What In The World?, we dive into the resurgence of smoking, gambling, and drinking—and how Gen Z is reshaping the vice market in unexpected ways.

From Zyn pouches and sports betting apps to party culture, we break down: 

  • 🚬 The Rise of New Nicotine – Cigarettes are declining, but pouches like Zyn are booming. Why are they so appealing, and who’s cashing in?
  • 🎰 Gambling Goes Digital – How sports betting apps, loot boxes, and legal loopholes turned gambling into a billion-dollar game.
  • 🍸 Gen Z & Alcohol – Why Gen Z drinks less and how brands are following the trend.
  • 📊 The Politics & Economics of Vice – From sin taxes and PSA campaigns to the quiet regulatory gaps around certain vices over others.

💬 What In Your World?  We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on today's episode?

  • Are modern vices just better marketed—and more discreet?
  • Should lawmakers do more to regulate the vice economy?
  • What “vice” is being normalized in your circles?

📢 Don’t forget to follow What In The World? for your weekly fun take on serious news:

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About the Podcast

What In The World?
A Fun Take On Serious News
There’s a LOT going on in the world these days. From unpredictable geopolitics and dysfunctional economic markets to the nonstop evolution of entertainment and digital culture, it’s no wonder that Gen Z feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of news and the flood of information on social media.

What In The World? is a podcast hosted by Laura and Eugene, Gen Z who understand the tension between staying informed and tuning out the news. With backgrounds in global affairs, finance, history, business, and more, this duo will provide fresh, balanced perspectives to keep you informed and interested in the headlines that have you saying “what in the world?”