GAMBLING IN THE UNITED STATES
TYPES OF LEGAL GAMBLING
In the United States, there are six main forms of legal gambling: bingo, lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, off-track betting, organized poker, and casinos. Bingo is the most widespread form of legalized gambling. Lotteries are active in thirty-eight states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Forty-three states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands permit thoroughbred horse racing. Poker “card rooms” are legally operating in sixteen states. Eleven states offer legal casino gambling — from floating riverboats to large commercial casinos, such as those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, New Jersey. There are also gambling establishments for Native Americans in twenty-eight states, ranging from bingo and card games to full-scale casinos.
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HOW AMERICANS PLACE THEIR BETS
The total gross revenue of the U.S. gambling industry was approximately $68.7 billion, according to a study referenced by the American Gaming Association from industry analysts Christiansen Capital Advisors LLC. Over half of this amount came from casino gambling, with $28.1 billion from commercial enterprises and $14.2 billion from Native American casinos. Lotteries generated another $18.6 billion, while other smaller categories included pari-mutuel betting ($4 billion), charitable gambling and bingo ($2.6 billion), card rooms ($972.5 million), and legal sports betting ($116.2 million). The total amount gambled legally by Americans each year exceeds $800 billion, with illegal gambling through office pools and other unregulated activities estimated at $380 billion.
In a Gallup poll, 49% of Americans reported purchasing a state lottery ticket in the past twelve months, while 30% visited a casino, 15% participated in office pools, 14% played video poker, and 10% placed bets on professional sports. Compared to earlier data, the number of casino players increased by 50%, while the number of those betting on horse racing and student or professional sports dropped by more than half. The number of bingo players dropped by nearly two-thirds, and the number of those betting on boxing matches decreased by three-quarters.
CASINO GAMBLING
Technically, a casino is any room or rooms where gambling occurs. When most Americans think of casinos, they envision luxurious hotel and entertainment complexes, such as those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, New Jersey. Until recently, only Nevada and Atlantic City allowed casinos, but in the following decades, regulations were relaxed as states and municipalities sought jobs and tax revenues generated by casinos. Some states had commercial casinos, while others had Native American-run casinos, and several states added casinos at racetracks. Among commercial casinos were large land-based operations in Nevada, Michigan, New Jersey, and Louisiana, small-stakes operations in South Dakota and Colorado, and riverboat casinos in various states.
Riverboat and Cruise Gambling
Some people gamble on riverboats (excursion boats or stationary barges) or during cruises. Modern riverboats are floating casinos. Gambling revenues from riverboats totaled more than $6 billion.
BINGO AND OTHER CHARITABLE GAMES
Charitable gambling is allowed in all states except a few. According to analysts, they made up nearly 4% of the total amount gambled in legalized gambling in the United States. Bingo alone accounted for nearly half of this sum. Charitable games included bingo, lotteries, casino nights, and ticket raffles, among others. Bingo sessions were a common fundraising method for charitable organizations such as churches, synagogues, and service clubs.
HORSE RACING
The largest sector of pari-mutuel betting is horse racing. Horse racing has a long history in America. Many Americans enjoy going to the racetrack for entertainment, some to admire the beautiful animals, and many to place bets. Horse racing is a popular spectator sport, although its popularity has significantly decreased compared to other forms of gambling.
Dog Racing — The King’s Sport
Once a favorite pastime of Queen Elizabeth I, dog racing became known as "the king’s sport." Initially, a hare was released, and a pair of greyhounds chased after it. A typical dog race program included several races with eight dogs. Races were held at different distances. As with horse racing, dog racing started using simulcasting and off-track betting.
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