Call it a comeback. U.S. casinos smashed their record for winnings in 2021, powered by the rapid expansion of legal casinos and sports betting, according to figures out today from the American Gaming Association.

• The new record (2021): $53 billion.
• The previous record (2019): $43.65 billion.

The big picture: Sports betting winnings were up 177% from 2020, totaling $4.29 billion in 2021.

• That includes expansion into Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, South Dakota, Virginia and Wyoming, AP reports.

The bottom line: All of this is happening despite a reduction in international tourism and domestic travel.

• "Business travel, meetings and events, and entertainment — significant revenue-drivers for many operators — have been slow to return," said Bill Miller, CEO of the American Gaming Association.
• "And visitation among the older, core casino audience is only just getting back to pre-pandemic levels."

President Biden turned to public outreach to deter a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Axios politics editor Glen Johnson reports.

• "To the citizens of Russia, you are not our enemy, and I do not believe you want a bloody, destructive war" with Ukraine, Biden said in a speech from the East Room.

Why it matters: It's hard to penetrate propaganda machines, but the Internet makes it possible.

Biden acknowledged reports that Russia has ordered the partial withdrawal of its troops near Ukraine's borders, but stressed that the U.S. has "not yet verified" the Kremlin's claims and that an invasion remains "distinctly possible," Axios' Zachary Basu reports.

• "If Russia proceeds, we will rally the world to oppose this aggression.”

Biden said U.S. analysts believe Russia's forces "remain very much in a threatening position," despite Moscow's claims of a military pullback.

• He added that Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine, a higher estimate than U.S. officials had previously provided.

Eli and Peyton are both committed to the next three seasons of ESPN's hit ManningCast — with plans for hosting around 10 shows next season, reports Axios Media Trends author Sara Fischer.

• The broadcasts feature Eli and Peyton commenting on live "Monday Night Football" games from their basements. Their man caves are often the subject of playful tweets from fans.

Eli said he’ll often call local beat reporters with expertise on a hometown team, in addition to watching film and talking to producers ahead of games.

• "There is a little reporting to it," he admitted. “But they know it's in a safe place. I'm not going to reveal anything that shouldn't be revealed."

Go deeper.

🥇 USA's Erin Jackson on the podium in Beijing after winning the women's 500m speed skating competition.