Spurred by various abuses and corruption in that gambling operation, among others, Congress outlawed all gambling around the turn of the century.
History appears to be repeating itself.
One hundred years later, Louisiana has become a prime example of the tragedy and sordidness that often accompany full-scale gambling operations. In 1995 the FBI launched a lengthy investigation into the activities of more than a dozen Louisiana legislators suspected of accepting bribes from gambling interests. 1 One former state senator, who chaired the senate committee overseeing gambling matters, has been convicted of racketeering-related charges in the investigation. In June of 1998, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported how Gov. Edwin Edwards allegedly used his influence in the Louisiana casino licensing process to benefit numerous friends and allies. The gambling industry is the largest political contributor in the state, accounting for one of every three dollars donated to state legislators.