Laken Testa

Favorite Typeface: Montserrat

Favorite Software: Adobe Illustrator

Dream Job: Profession sports graphic designer 

Laken Testa is a designer from Illinois, now living in Arizona, with a passion for sports and creative storytelling. Set to graduate with a BSD in Graphic Design in May 2025, she is eager to bring bold, engaging visuals to the world of sports. Whether it’s capturing the energy of game day or creating designs that draw people in, she loves finding new ways to make an impact. Outside of design, she is always looking for inspiration, whether in music, travel, or the excitement of a live game.

You can view her portfolio here.

Lost in the Game

Sports betting is everywhere, on game broadcasts, social media, and even college campuses. What started as a niche activity has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry, shaping how fans experience sports. While it’s marketed as harmless fun, the reality is more complex. Betting apps use psychological tricks to keep people gambling, and those most at risk, young men, college students, and lower-income groups, often don’t realize how quickly losses can add up. With sportsbooks partnering with major leagues and pushing in-game bets, the line between sports and gambling keeps getting blurrier. Athletes face threats from angry bettors, universities sign deals with betting companies, and unregulated platforms create even more risks. As the industry keeps growing, it’s important to ask: Where does this all lead, and who’s really winning?