On this episode of "Deseret Voices," McKay Coppins, author of the viral Atlantic article "Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler,” sits down with Paul Lambert of BYU's Wheatley Institute to discuss President D. Todd Christofferson's landmark talk at general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, condemning gambling in all its forms.

They unpack new survey data showing that 55% of American adults now gamble at least monthly and that 1 in 8 gamble every day. They explore why mobile sports betting has exploded from $5 billion to $160 billion in annual wagers since the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling, why prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket let people bet on wars and assassinations, and why the moral case against gambling has been missing from the national conversation — until now.

“Deseret Voices” is hosted by award-winning journalists McKay Coppins and Jane Clayson Johnson, who go beyond the headlines to explore the stories, people, and ideas shaping our world today. Through thoughtful, in-depth conversations, the “Deseret Voices” podcast brings clarity and common ground to the complex issues defining our time. 

“Deseret Voices” is a Deseret News podcast, produced by Keira Farrimond, Creative Director - Video & Podcasts. 

Episodes of “Deseret Voices” drop every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. Follow along and join the conversation on YouTube (@deseretnews), Instagram (@deseretnews), Facebook (@deseretnews) and X (@deseret).