Atlantic City, New Jersey, which legalized gambling in 1976, is often used as an example in which negative economic outcomes have occurred. Although economic growth and job creation have occurred in that city, there has also been a large increase in the crime rate, and poverty is still a persistent problem, even though the casinos have been economically successful. Summary This publication has shown that there are many kinds of gamblers. Some gamblers treat gambling as a casual or occasional activity. Not all types of gamblers are drawn to the same types of games.
Lotteries tend to draw gamblers who dream of winning a large sum of money.
Casinos and horse racing tend to draw gamblers who enjoy the excitement and action that these activities provide. Most gamblers view gambling as entertainment, and are aware that the expected payoff in most gambling endeavors is negative, i.e., that the sum of all winning is less than the sum of all wagers. However, there are some who are unable to control their gambling behavior, and this may lead to problem gambling. Gambling is also viewed as a source of tax revenue which keeps conventional, non-voluntary taxes lower. Supporters of legalized gambling consider gambling to be entertainment, a substitute for other forms of entertainment such as going to the theater or out for dinner.