This week on By the Ballot, Matt digs into the fast-growing gambling crisis reshaping Virginia—from gas-station “skill” machines and new casino proposals to the explosion of digital betting apps targeting young adults.
We break down how these industries promise economic growth but overwhelmingly extract wealth from low-income communities, increase crime and addiction, and leave taxpayers holding the bag. From Atlantic City’s failed revival to Virginia’s own debates in Richmond and Roanoke, the pattern is clear: the house always wins—unless lawmakers step in.
Matt also explores how platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket blur the line between investing and gambling, turning everything from sports to politics into a betting market with real consequences for civic engagement.
A must-listen for anyone concerned about economic justice and the future of regulation in the Commonwealth.
By the Ballot is an opinion series published on Substack. All views expressed are solely those of the author and should not be interpreted as reporting or objective journalism or attributed to any other individual or organization. I am not a journalist or reporter, nor do I claim to be one. This publication represents personal commentary, analysis, and opinion only.
