Gamblers willingly risk relatively small amounts of money in a variety of games, hoping to win much larger amounts. Some social scientists believe that such risk-taking represents deviant behavior, that gambling is an illness much like drug addiction or shoplifting. Others say gambling more closely resembles relatively harmless leisure-time activities like movie-going or downhill skiing. Whether it is seen as an illness or as a hobby, gambling attracts large numbers of people and has tremendous political and economic implications.

United States' policy towards gambling has shifted markedly over the last two hundred years. At some times, the federal government has condemned gambling in all forms; at other times it has condoned some forms (horse-racing, lotteries, and video-gambling) and condemned others (cock-fighting). Currently, some forms of wagering are prohibited, some are regulated, and some are even promoted.

According to Melissa Kay, in her article "Gambling: Across the Country ... Most Popular Game in Town," in 1976 only two states permitted casino gambling--Nevada and New Jersey. Today, 23 states allow casinos and/or casino-style gambling. The money spent on gambling has increased 54 percent since 1990, and it now supports a $40-billion- a-year industry. As one source explains, "In 1995, Americans from 154'n-tillion households visited casinos, according to the gaming association. That's more than attended football games, arena and symphony concerts and Broadway shows combined" (11).

The examination essay should include a thesis that addresses the issues in this statement:

Students can approach this topic in a number of ways, but the following four strategies will help generate discussion and develop ideas about gambling in general.
 

1. Freewrite for five or ten minutes about your experiences with gambling. Have you ever been to the racetrack? Do you buy lottery tickets, play poker or bingo for money, or sell raffle tickets? Have you ever known someone who travels regularly to Las Vegas or Laughlin to gamble? Have you ever known a winner. (or a regular loser)?
2. Read the attached materials about gambling. Summarize the main points of the articles.
3. Do a search in one of the online search engines. Browse through articles in the library databases.
4. Interview one or two people you know well who gamble regularly. Why do they go to the track or play the Pick? How much do they spend each week or month? Why do they gamble? What is the attraction? Interview someone who doesn't gamble at all. What reasons does he or she give?