The Big Dig Introducing Season Two: Scratch & Win
Jan 22, 2025
Explore the fascinating transformation of gambling in America, from a taboo to a popular pastime. Discover the rise of state lotteries and the intriguing dynamics between government officials and organized crime. Dive into the story of a charismatic state treasurer determined to outsmart the mob and reshape the gambling landscape. Get ready for a captivating look at the unlikely success of America's most popular lottery!
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Episode notes
Casino As A Modern Spectacle
- Ian Coss describes a casino sportsbook with a giant blue orb and nonstop screens like an election-night set.
- He observes fans and bettors blending together and wonders whether cheers are for fandom or money.
Gambling's Rapid Mainstreaming
- Gambling became legal nationwide in many new places only in recent decades outside Vegas and tracks.
- That shift turned gambling from a marginal vice into mainstream commercial activity.
From Vice To State Revenue
- America moved from outlawing and shaming gambling to legalizing and institutionalizing it through state control.
- State lotteries transformed an illicit market into a public revenue stream and social spectacle.