| Abstrakt: |
From the beginning of the gambling boom, the gambling industry has influenced politicians and the public, while encountering only minor opposition from local protestors. But grassroots antigambling organizations have begun to join hands. Thomas Grey, head of the National Coalition against Legalized Gambling, an organization has been actively battling what he sees as politicians who are in league with a "predatory and greedy" gambling industry. The coalition's opponents are represented by the American Gaming Association, a lobbying group representing 17 of the country's largest gambling companies. Many people are neither for nor against gambling but are opposed to the intrusion of government into what they view as a personal choice. The rise and fall in the popularity of gambling has been cyclical throughout American history. The current backlash is reminiscent of one that occurred 100 years ago when antigambling sentiment almost eliminated legalized gambling. |
