Risking money or anything of value on the outcome of something involving chance is gambling. One of the first forms of gambling in the United States was the lottery. Lotteries were formed so uniforms could be bought for state armies and to raise money for universities. Along with the lottery came other types of gaming. Bingo became very popular to attempt to raise money for the states. Many states saw the surge in income and started allowing lotteries, bingo, and race track betting; thus, failing to look at the consequences associated with gambling. Currently, the only two states of the union that do not allow any form of gambling are Utah and Hawaii. It is not the lotteries, bingo, race tracks, or video pokers that spark the interest or appeal to gamblers the way casinos do. The bright neon lights, the shiny glitter, the fresh oxygen pumped into the casino to keep you awake, and the overwhelming noise of bells and change falling into the metal trey give the gambler a euphoric feeling when he reaches his Mecca. Casino gaming started in the 1800's with games such as, blackjack and 7-card stud. Our first look at casino gambling came on riverboats along the Mississippi River and small southern river towns. In the last year, Americans wagered millions of dollars while sitting in Casinos. Many cities and communities see the increase in dollars spent and want to cash in by allowing casinos to move into their town. Supporters of casinos claim that allowing casinos into communities will rebuild the community and cause a rebirth. They feel that the growth of new casinos is a good thing and that it helps the national economy. Casinos do provide a good form of entertainment to people, but should be contained to their current locations. Casino gambling needs to be limited to its current locations because it has negative effects on economics, increases crime, and increases social problems.
