Lawmakers have struggled to define gambling and determine which activities should be legal and which should not.
Societal attitudes are dependent on customs, traditions, religion, morals, and the context in which gambling occurs. Throughout history, various cultures have considered gambling alternately harmless and sinful, respectable and corrupt, legal and illegal. The elements of risk and uncertainty actually add to gambling's appeal -and to its danger. Organized gambling has become an industry because so many people are willing and even eager to risk their money in exchange for a chance at something bigger and better. Gambling is an activity in which something of value is risked on the chance that something of greater value might be obtained, based on the uncertain outcome of a particular event. THE HISTORY OF GAMBLING GAMBLING IN THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1900 THE MODERN INDUSTRY GAMBLING ISSUES AND SOCIAL IMPACT PUBLICOPINION
Chapter 1 Gambling in the United States: An Overview