gambling

In 1776, Americans gambled constantly through cards, horse races, lotteries, wagers, and games of chance woven directly into everyday life. Two hundred and fifty years later, gambling has evolved into a world of casinos, sports betting apps, online prediction markets, and algorithmically optimized experiences living inside smartphones. This letter follows America’s changing relationship with gambling and asks whether people are truly chasing money… or something much older and more human: hope itself.