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Is gambling the reason we have pro sports?

NPR· Jun 17, 2026· 9m 4s

To hear author David Bockino tell it, gambling has always been a key ingredient of pro sports in the U.S.—it’s as American as apple pie. Bockino is the author of the new book Over/Under: An Unexpected History of Sports Betting . So what gave rise to this new wave of sports gambling? And what are we risking placing so many bets on games? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez . Your Next Listen — Prediction markets are threatening national security. Who’s gonna fix it? Connect with The Indicator — Sign u

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Is gambling the reason we have pro sports?

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  1. Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    Welcome to the program. I'm your host.

    0:00

  2. Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.

    0:04

  3. We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.

    0:09

  4. The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    The summit focused on energy policy and migration.

    0:14

  5. Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.

    0:19

  6. Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.

    0:24