AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX.

FILE - Betting odds for Super Bowl LIX are displayed on monitors at the Circa resort and casino sports book, Jan. 30, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

What Americans think about legal sports betting, according to recent polls

As sports betting expands, polling suggests Americans have become increasingly critical of its role in U.S. society and sports — although they’re more tolerant of legal betting for professional sports. A recent Pew Research Center poll found about 43% of U.S. adults say the fact sports betting is now legal in much of the country is a “bad thing” for society and sports, up from about 34% in July 2022. Betting scandals have multiplied since the Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal law that barred sports betting in most states. Most recently, dozens of people including current and former NBA players were arrested in a federal investigation into sports betting and illegal gambling.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani greet the crowd during a town hall on Saturday, Sept, 6, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

What Americans think about socialism and capitalism, according to a new Gallup poll

A new Gallup poll finds that Democrats view socialism more positively than they did in the past, while their views of capitalism are more negative. Sixty-six percent of Democrats now have a positive image of socialism compared to only 42% who view capitalism favorably. This marks a shift over the past 15 years, with socialism rising as capitalism falls. Some Democratic politicians worry that embracing socialism might alienate moderates, while others see it as a way to address issues like the cost of living. Meanwhile, views on capitalism and big business have soured, especially among Democrats and independents. Bernie Sanders has helped rebrand socialism, inspiring a movement that includes figures like Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

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