Gambling Essay

Gambling has been a part of America’s history as early as the 1600’s. The Puritans, still under the influence of the crown, were allowed to participate in lotteries to help grow the colonies. “All 13 original colonies established lotteries, usually more than one, to raise revenue. Playing the lottery became a civic responsibility… Lottery funds were also used to build churches and libraries” (Dunstan, 1997). As our country expanded west, the lotteries and casinos only grew more popular. As of today, forty-nine of the fifty states have multiple casinos, Hawaii being the only state that does not allow gambling houses. Many are divided on whether or not a casino benefits a state’s economy. Although there seems to be short-run benefits to an economy’s …show more content…
Looking at these figures alone, it seems casinos are working well for the state, but the question is then raised as to what cost to the surrounding businesses and local economy. Casinos are much more than gambling. They provide other amenities such as dining, lodging, shopping, and concert entertainment. Generally, the winnings that one would receive would be spent at the casino and not out in the economy. Local businesses begin to lose profit because these services are available and more convenient when they are in the same location. “Connecticut casinos are self-contained little cities, economically separate from the host towns of Ledyard and Montville, connected only by the casino employees who live in town. Visitors might fill up their SUV at a local gas station on their way in or out, but that 's it” (Nicodemus, 2012). When casinos bring income to the state, very little of that money spread is to the local economy, which causes many of these businesses to suffer dramatically or even close