As March Madness accelerates interest in brackets and pools, a new episode of the PBS “Settle In” podcast put the spotlight on the business side of sports wagering. Host Geoff Bennett sat down with journalist David Hill, who has covered sports betting for Rolling Stone and is working on an upcoming book about the subject, to discuss how betting has moved into the mainstream.
What Happened
On the “Settle In” podcast, Geoff Bennett spoke with David Hill about sports betting at a moment when the NCAA tournament prompts increased casual wagering. Hill, a journalist who has reported on sports betting for Rolling Stone, is also writing an upcoming book that examines the industry. The conversation comes as many fans — including those who do not normally gamble — participate in March Madness pools and place occasional bets tied to the tournament.
Background
March Madness—the annual U.S. college basketball tournament—has long been a time when casual and regular bettors alike engage with sporting events, often through office pools and friendly wagers. In recent years, sports betting in the United States has become more visible and accessible after a change in federal policy that opened the door for states to legalize and regulate wagering. Coverage of the industry has expanded beyond niche gambling outlets into mainstream publications; David Hill has been among the reporters covering these developments for national outlets such as Rolling Stone.
Why It Matters
The discussion between Bennett and Hill highlights how sports betting has shifted from a fringe activity to a cultural and commercial force during major sporting events. As betting becomes more mainstream, it raises questions about consumer protection, the role of media coverage, and how the industry intersects with sports fandom. Journalistic inquiry into the business of wagering helps audiences understand the commercial mechanics and social impacts of that shift.
For readers in Panama and across Latin America, the episode is a reminder that changes in the U.S. market can have international echoes. Media attention and business models exported from the U.S. often influence how sports betting is discussed and regulated elsewhere, even if the legal and cultural contexts differ. At a minimum, the conversation underscores growing public interest in wagering tied to major tournaments and the need for informed reporting on the subject.
As March Madness continues, the “Settle In” episode with Hill offers listeners a timely look at why sports betting has become a significant part of the modern sports landscape—and why coverage of the industry’s growth matters beyond the betting community itself.