They became a dominant part of the social scene, well respected as many other gamblers are not in other venues. When Edward Pendleton died in 1858, his funeral was attended by the president and most leaders of Congress. If we could have just such a meeting hall in Washington, D.C., our politics could be so centralized. He could have gone to the Capital Casino's sports book, and meet his friends there. Also it would be so much more couth to simply hand a congressman some chips rather than trying to slip him a briefcase full of money.
Casinos do provide good entry level jobs for many people who lack essential job skills.