Legalized Gambling: Revenue Boom or Social Bust?

Americans are sharply divided on the issue of legalized gambling. Some people believe that gambling is a largely harmless leisure activity. They say people should have the right to gamble with their own money if they want to. In addition, supporters insist that legalized gambling funds important public programs.

Other people strongly disagree. They believe legalized gambling is immoral. They say it preys upon the poor and the weak-especially compulsive gamblers. They claim that legalized gambling ultimately costs society mote than it contributes.

Making sense of the legalized gambling debate involves looking at the facts, studying the statistics, examining the laws, and listening to views on both sides. It also means asking tough questions:

What role should state and federal governments play in gambling?

Should Native American communities have special gaming rights?

Is gambling an appropriate way to raise funds for charities?

How can our society protect kids from the risks of online gambling?

To answer these questions, this book examines the history of gambling in the United States as well as current federal, state, and local laws. It provides the opinions and perspectives of government and religious leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue. It also presents the perspectives of people closely involved in gambling, such as professional poker players, compulsive gamblers, gambling researchers, and industry members. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA Today, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either foror against legalized gambling.