Concerns about gambling's rapid rise and its impact on individuals and communities drew congressional attention. There are eight major forms of gambling in America today, one major form of illegal gambling, and one overarching concern regarding all forms of gambling addiction. This article provides a brief overview of these topics. Commercial casinos . Until this decade, casinos were legal only in Nevada and Atlantic City, but during the past 10 years they have expanded into 28 states.
Many customers enjoy the associated food, entertainment, and conference facilities.
A less visible but perhaps more insidious cost involves the political clout that commercial casino interests inevitably develop. Given the vast revenue generated by successful casinos, it becomes increasingly difficult for other voices to be heard in the political process. For instance, nongambling retailers and restaurant owners may find that their customer base dwindles after the introduction of casinos and that local government turns a deaf ear to their complaints. Native American casinos . Large-scale Indian casino gambling began in the late 1980s.