Gambling

Through the years, gambling has become America's




              pastime.   Over 60 million Americans make some sort of




              wager every day.1   When compared to other recreations(in




              billions of dollars) in 1990, gambling institutions made




              2.2 more than magazine sales, 8.3 more than book sales,




              20.9 more than theaters, and a whopping 21.8 more than




              movies.2   This number has increased to this high level




              because of the growth in the amount of legalized gambling




              establishments and the accessibility to these




              establishments, both of which increases the number of




              gamblers.   The compulsive or pathological gambler affects




              society most.   According to Stuart Winston,


                   


                    The compulsive gambler is the backbone of gambling.


              Without the compulsive gambler, there would be no Las


              Vegas, no Off Track Wagering.   Two thirds of the race


              tracks in America would close.   The attendance of sporting


              events would drop 50%, and T.V. wouldn't bother with


              sports beyond championship events.....The compulsive


              gambler bets a piece of his life everyday, and a piece of


              his family's.   The other 45 million people who gamble are


              having fun.(Out of the 60 million who gamble every day)3




              These gamblers often resort to crime to pay off their




              debts and anger.   Even though legalized gambling has




              changed through time, and has been "accepted" in America




              today, it...