Gambling is not legal everywhere within the United States. In fact, different types of gambling are legal in almost random patches throughout the United States. In Las Vegas, you can play the slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and many other gambling games. In Virginia, you can use a quarter or a nickel to scratch your way into the dough.

Where Is Gambling Legal?

According to Patrick McMahon of USA Today, only three states do not allow some form of legal gambling: Tennessee, Hawaii, and Utah. McMahon writes that charitable gambling is allowed by forty-six states, while forty-one permit racetrack gambling. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia operate lotteries. Twenty-three states allow casinos operated by Native Americans, and eleven states allow non-Native American for-profit casinos. Six states permit electronic gambling devices such as slot machines at racetracks.

Should Gambling Be Legal?

The National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, as the name suggests, has a negative opinion of legalized gambling. The NCALG claims that gambling leads to addiction. The NCALG also reports that between 20 and 30 percent of gambling addicts attempt suicide. Obviously, gambling addiction may create havoc in peoples’ lives.

Gambling and Education

Many states have considered having a lottery to fund their state education programs. Some states conclude that the benefits of the extra income outweigh the consequences. Others base their decisions on the fact that statistics show that children exposed to gambling at a young age tend to be more likely to gamble irresponsibly or even come face to face with gambling addiction.

Personal Freedoms and Personal Responsibilities

These claims beg the question: when do individuals become responsible for their own actions? Giant casinos with pretty bright lights may tempt people, but at the end of the day, the individual makes the decision as to whether or not to enter the casino gates. In the United States, no consensus has been achieved as to whether state or national governments should prohibit gambling entirely or allow it and, if gambling is allowed, how much to regulate the industry. It is a difficult matter to decide.