Whatever the drive may be, it must be strong. At its deepest level, gambling may represent a human desire to control the randomness that seems to permeate life. Scientists postulate a variety of reasons for gambling, including the lure of money, the excitement and fun of the activity, and the influence from peers. However, why do people gamble at all? Common sense suggests that risking something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome is irrational. Bingo games held for charity and lotteries that fund state programs are more commonly legal than casinos run for corporate profit.ĭan Seligman estimates in “In Defense of Gambling ” ( Forbes, June 23, 2003) that Americans legally gamble $900 billion per year.

Acceptability also depends on who profits from the gambling. For example, betting activities with an element of skill involved (such as picking a horse in a race or playing a card game) might be more acceptable than those based entirely on chance (such as spinning a roulette wheel or playing slot machines). Lawmakers have struggled to define gambling and determine which activities should be legal and which should not. Societal attitudes are dependent on customs, traditions, religion, morals, and the context in which gambling occurs. Throughout history, various cultures have considered gambling alternately harmless and sinful, respectable and corrupt, legal and illegal. The elements of risk and uncertainty actually add to gambling's appeal -and to its danger. Organized gambling has become an industry because so many people are willing and even eager to risk their money in exchange for a chance at something bigger and better. Gambling is an activity in which something of value is risked on the chance that something of greater value might be obtained, based on the uncertain outcome of a particular event. THE HISTORY OF GAMBLING GAMBLING IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1900 THE MODERN INDUSTRY GAMBLING ISSUES AND SOCIAL IMPACT PUBLICOPINION Chapter 1 Gambling in the United States: An Overview

States with illegal gambling