The Casino-ification of America artwork
Plain English with Derek Thompson

The Casino-ification of America

Mar 20, 2026 · 1 hr 11 min

In 2017, Americans legally bet about $5 billion on sports. Last year, that number rose to $160 billion. Gambling hasn’t just taken over sports. It’s invaded culture, politics, and even international warfare. Bettors have already made millions of dollars wagering on the precise dates and locations of bombing campaigns in Iran, and journalists have been hounded for reporting on events that can lose…