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 growth, the drawbacks are greater than the advantages.
The main goal of a casino is to boost a state’s economy. An attractive looking casino should help bring in business from tourists who come to visit the resort. The hope is that this will spur additional income from around the state or across state borders making the state’s economy more successful. This is not always true, however. Many people are against the casinos giving a negative view of the surrounding area of the casino. Since gambling is a vice that is looked down upon in our society that presents many problems for families, many people would not want to be associated in living near them. Permanent residents would move out which is worse for the state. The income…