THE GAMBLING BUSINESS: AN AMERICAN PARADOX

What makes gambling, despite its ancient history, a special type of problem to Amer's is the peculiar combination of contradictory att's with which it is regarded in the US. Amer's who may be extremely dubious about permitting gov'ly sponsored forms of gambling within their own j...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Crime and delinquency 1962-01, Vol.42-47 (1962), p.42-47
Main Author: Bloch, Herbert A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business/Businesses
Gamble/Gambling/Gambler/Gamblers
Problem/Problematic/Problems
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Summary:What makes gambling, despite its ancient history, a special type of problem to Amer's is the peculiar combination of contradictory att's with which it is regarded in the US. Amer's who may be extremely dubious about permitting gov'ly sponsored forms of gambling within their own jurisdictions, do not hesitate to enjoy & 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 & church-sponsored bingo games, while the line is drawn at more extensive & popular forms of poor man's gambling. Where to draw the line separating gov'ly-sanctioned forms of gambling from illegal forms is a difficult & subtle problem, & frequently the att's determining it are without sufficient rational & empirical support. While we recognize the danger of underworld control of gambling & its ominous proliferation into legitimate business enterprise, we tend to overlook the deep-rooted & built-in compulsions which encourage Amer's to gamble, & which comprise a continuing, basic market on which the gambling racketeer capitalizes with large profit. AA.
ISSN:0011-1287