Sports betting, illegal outside Nevada for decades, is all the rage now—as you’ll know if you’ve watched a National Football League game lately. Ads for betting websites are nearly as common as spots for beer and insurance.
Gambling ads went mainstream during last year’s Super Bowl. A plug for DraftKings included a cameo by Joe Namath in his mink coat. Caesars Sportsbook, attempting to associate its service with wholesome all-American types, ran an ad featuring the Manning clan: Archie, Cooper, Eli and Peyton. During this Sunday’s Super Bowl, former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will appear in an ad for FanDuel. You may have already seen a DraftKings commercial—this one starring comedian Kevin Hart , former Red Sox slugger David Ortiz and rapper Ludacris, among other VIPs—inviting wagerers to place one “free” bet on Sunday’s game.