Abstract
What makes gambling, in spite of its ancient history, a spe cial type of problem to Americans is the peculiar combination of contradictory attitudes with which it is regarded in this country. Americans who may be extremely dubious about permit ting governmentally sponsored forms of gambling within their own jurisdictions do not hesitate to enjoy and encourage such facilities elsewhere. The ambivalent public attitude is further revealed in the legally sanctioned tolerance of certain forms of gambling, such as parimutuel wagering on racetrack premises and church-sponsored bingo games, while the line is drawn at more extensive and popular forms of "poor man's gambling." Where to draw the line separating governmentally sanctioned forms of gambling from illegal forms is a difficult and subtle problem, and frequently the attitudes determining it are without sufficient rational and empirical support. While we recognize the danger of underworld control of gambling and its ominous prolifera tion into legitimate business enterprise, we tend to overlook the deep-rooted and "built-in" compulsions which encourage Americans to gamble and which comprise a continuing, basic market upon which the gambling racketeer capitalizes with large profit.
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