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Artwork for Scratch & Win

Scratch & Win

GBH News
Massachusetts Lottery
The Big Dig
Scratch & Win
Scratch Tickets
Proposition 2.5
Bob Crane
Gambling
John Coza
Gambling Industry
Organized Crime
Beverly Wilshire Hotel
Peabody Awards
Cambridge Savings Bank
Instant Lottery Tickets
Joe's Market
Local Government Funding
Property Taxes
Patronage
Illegal Gambling
Tax Revolt

Never in American history has it been so easy to gamble, legally at least. We’ve got casinos, sports betting, online poker, keno — but it was all made possible by state lotteries, which brought gambling out of the shadows and into the public square — into the government itself.

“Scratch & Win” follows the unlikely rise of America’s most successful lottery. We begin in 1970s Boston, with state bur... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes20Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Scratch & Win

Latest Episodes

Most lottery games follow a predictable life cycle: a burst of interest followed by a long decline. But something else happened with the scratch ticket, and it changed how every lottery in the country operates. 

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Credits:... more

By 1986 Treasurer Bob Crane has turned the lottery into the most successful operation of its kind, but now he’s in the fight of his political life with a challenger who says he’s the real crook. To cement his legacy he will have to win one last elect... more

The Mass Lottery stumbles when it attempts to launch the nation’s first ‘lotto’ game. But that failure soon becomes an opportunity – and a national craze – when Treasurer Bob Crane brings in a new agency to take over the state’s marketing efforts.

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The lottery was never just about stopping crime; it was about bringing in money. In 1980, an anti-tax ballot measure throws Massachusetts state finances into chaos, putting new pressure on the lottery to close the gap.

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C... more

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Recent Guests

Dawn Hayes
Lottery host for Massachusetts, previously an assistant at AM radio
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Jack Connors
Ad executive, co-founder of Hill Holiday
Hill Holiday
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Tony Winch
Creative director at Hill Holiday
Hill Holiday
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Andy Solari
Telecommunications technician for the lottery
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Ryan Alderman
Fact checker
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Clara Peller
Iconic actress known for the 'Where's the Beef?' campaign.
Episode: Part 6: The Game Dreams Are Made Of
Lawrence Bretta
Mayor of Somerville
City of Somerville
Episode: Part 5: The Cherry Sheets
David Gilmartin
Former Mayor of Fitchburg, Massachusetts
City of Fitchburg
Episode: Part 5: The Cherry Sheets
James Segal
First executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association
Massachusetts Municipal Association
Episode: Part 5: The Cherry Sheets

Host

Ian Coss
Host and scriptwriter

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.2k ratings
  • Great Random Podcast

    There’s more right !? Wow this has been a great podcast didn’t know I would enjoy !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Letitride!
    United Statesa month ago
  • Lightning Strikes Twice

    The Big Dig was already my favorite podcast miniseries with its perfect blend narrative elements. Archival tape, interviews, and narration combined seamlessly then to tell a grand story.

    I was cautiously optimistic about Scratch & Win, because while they were getting back the same team there wasn’t any guarantee it would be good.

    But Lightning has struck twice, this new series is The Big Dig’s equal in every regard, telling a story of the practically the same scope. Absolutely amazing work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AvalonRVAC
    United Statesa month ago
  • A fantastic history lesson on the lottery

    I’ve always been vaguely curious about how governments have gotten into the lottery game, but this podcast was super informative, and I really appreciate all the backstory.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Millenialgirl
    United Statesa month ago
  • This Podcaster is the GOAT

    Give this guy a Pulitzer or something. The big dig series really captured the history in great depth. The new scratch and win series is on track to being a great documentary exposing a social phenomenon that is not convenient to criticize but very necessary to question. Hard hitting without sensationalism. Absolutely top quality.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    QC_6
    United Statesa month ago
  • Fascinating on so many fronts

    So fun to listen to-plus

    Sociology, true crime, with a touch of computer science & math-something for everyone

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tune inner
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many find the historical context of gambling and its evolution through state lotteries fascinating and well-researched, often expressing a desire for more content on similar topics.
Listeners frequently commend the podcast for its engaging storytelling and ability to illuminate the complexities of gambling and state involvement.
Some reviews highlight the inclusivity of the narrative, suspecting it's appealing even to those outside of Massachusetts or to those unfamiliar with the intricacies of lotteries.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Spotify
#30
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#37
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#72
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#175
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#113
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#197
Netherlands/Top Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Introducing: Detours from Antiques Roadshow
Q: What did the chemical analysis of the flag reveal?
The analysis showed that the flag contained an abnormally high level of lead, suggesting a potential connection to the fuel from the PT-109.
Introducing: Detours from Antiques Roadshow
Q: What is the history behind the flag being discussed?
The flag is believed to be connected to the PT-109, a boat commanded by John F. Kennedy during World War II, and was brought to Antiques Roadshow by a descendant of one of its crew members.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Scratch & Win

What is Scratch & Win about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focusing on the evolution of gambling in America, this podcast takes listeners through the significant transformation brought about by state lotteries, particularly the introduction of scratch tickets. Beginning in the 1970s in Boston, it narrates the clash between state officials and mafia bookmakers in the journey to launch what would become a government-backed gambling innovation. The narrative explores broader questions regarding societal attitudes toward gambling and the implications of state involvement in this sector, ultimately considering how these developments have shaped the current landscape of gambling in the U.S.

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How many episodes of Scratch & Win are there?

Scratch & Win launched 2 years ago and published 20 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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