Immigration has always shaped U.S. culture, from the earliest European settlers’ influence on indigenous life to the influence of Cuban refugees in the sixties.
More than 44 million immigrants born abroad live in the United States today. That’s a hefty 13.5% of the total population.
In 1790, just 9% of people in the U.S. were foreign-born. By 2021, that number had risen to nearly 15%. The largest recent groups have come from Mexico, China, India and the Philippines. Each cultural group has helped create the United States’ diverse cultural fabric.
Immigrants bring different traditions, foods, languages and practices. These shifts influence U.S. pastimes, including gambling. The rise of the internet has intensified this cultural exchange. Online gambling, gaming and sports betting are now mainstream.
By 2023, the U.S. online gambling market was valued at over $30 billion. Immigrants, particularly from countries with rich gaming cultures like China and India, have helped shape this growing industry. Gaming has become a global digital phenomenon, with online platforms seeing users from all walks of life. This revolution is part of an upheaval in how the world’s entertainment, including gambling, is experienced in the modern age.
U.S. multicultural changes
U.S. legislation has often mirrored cultural shifts brought on by immigration. As the country’s demographic makeup evolved, lawmakers adjusted policies. In the early 20th century, the rise of immigration from Europe prompted the establishment of restrictive laws. However, post-1965 immigration reform led to a wave of new arrivals from Latin America, Asia and Africa, shifting cultural attitudes once again. As immigrant populations grew, so did the demand for various forms of entertainment, including gambling.
The first state-run lotteries began in the 1960s. Nevada had been a pioneer, legalizing casinos in the 1930s. Over time, more states followed suit, legalizing casinos and sports betting. In the 1990s, the rise of online gambling further pushed legislative boundaries. As the internet became a new frontier for entertainment, the government struggled to catch up.
Today, states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have finally legalized online gambling, adapting to a digital age shaped by diverse immigrant influences.
The liberalization of gambling
The liberalization of gambling can be attributed to various factors, including a cultural evolution influenced by immigration. As the U.S. became more diverse, immigrant communities brought their own gambling traditions. Cultures from Latin America and Asia, where gambling is often deeply embedded in social life, have contributed to the acceptance of gaming as a mainstream activity. The rise of digital platforms has further accelerated the liberalization process. Immigrants, often familiar with online gambling from their home countries, embraced the ease of internet gaming.
As these communities grew in size and influence, they helped push for broader legalization. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to allow states to legalize sports betting reflected this changing landscape. That opened the door to other forms of gambling, such as online casinos, and now the market is so competitive that websites will rate online casinos and find bonuses for players. This was unimaginable just a decade ago. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are now leaders in online gambling, generating billions in revenue.
The benefits of immigration
The liberalization of gambling in the United States brought benefits, both for the nation and its immigrant populations. For the U.S., the expanding industry has become a major economic engine, creating jobs, generating tax revenue and driving tourism.
In 2023, the sports betting market alone was valued at over $30 billion. This growth provided thousands of jobs, from casino employees to tech workers developing online platforms. Immigrants have been key to this success. Many come from cultures where gambling is part of daily life. Immigrant entrepreneurs have opened casinos, sportsbooks, and online platforms.
The legalization of gambling also promotes inclusion, as it allows immigrants to engage in a shared cultural activity. It helps newcomers integrate into U.S. society. The modern gambling industry has become a fusion of cultures, boosting both the economy and multicultural climate.
The Shaping of the U.S.A.
Immigration has profoundly shaped the United States, influencing not only its cultural landscape but also its economic and legislative landscape. Over the centuries, immigrants have brought in new ideas, traditions and practices.
From the early waves of European settlers to the diverse populations arriving today, immigrants have left a huge mark on culture. In industries like entertainment, food and even technology, immigrant communities have driven innovation and growth.
From the legalization of casinos in Nevada to the booming online gaming market, immigrant populations have helped shape the demand for gaming. Their influence has led to a more dynamic entertainment industry. Legislation has adapted over time, responding to the evolving needs of a multicultural society. As the U.S. became more diverse, lawmakers recognized the importance of catering to a broader range of cultures.
Today, the United States stands as a testament to the positive impact of immigration. Cultural exchange has fuelled economic growth and social cohesion – and it has created a more inclusive, vibrant nation.
