NCJ Number
45891
Date Published
1977
Length
15 pages
Annotation
LEGALIZED GAMBLING IN THE UNITED STATES IS ANALYZED AS IT RELATES TO SPORTS, LOTTERY SWEEPSTAKES, AND CASINO OPERATIONS.
Abstract
LOTTERY ACTIVITY IN THE U.S. WAS REVITALIZED IN 1964 WHEN NEW HAMPSHIRE LEGALIZED LOTTERY OPERATIONS REGULATED AND OPERATED BY THE STATE. EXCEPT FOR NEVADA, IN WHICH ALL FORMS OF GAMBLING INCLUDING SLOT MACHINES HAVE BEEN LEGALIZED SINCE 1931, NO LEGALIZED GAMBLING ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN IN OPERATION IN THE U.S. SINCE 1880. NOW EIGHT STATES HAVE LEGAL NUMBERS GAMES, DELAWARE HAS ATTEMPTED A SPORTS BETTING POOL, NEW YORK AND CONNECTICUT ARE OPERATING OFF-TRACK BETTING SYSTEMS, AND NEW JERSEY HAS RECENTLY APPROVED THE LEGALIZATION OF CASINOS IN ATLANTIC CITY. THERE ARE FEDERAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING LEGALIZED GAMBLING SUCH AS THE REVENUE ACT OF 1951 AND THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RULING ON BROADCASTING LOTTERY NUMBERS ON RADIO AND TELEVISION. CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION PERMITTING THE TRANSPORTATION, MAILING, AND BROADCASTING OF ADVERTISING, INFORMATION, AND MATERIALS CONCERNING LEGALIZED GAMBLING HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CHALLENGE THESE RULINGS. SPORTS BETTING MET RESISTANCE FROM THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE WHO ARGUED THAT THE BETTING JEOPARDIZED THE PROFESSIONAL SPORT. A SUIT WAS FILED, AND THE COURT RULED THAT SPORTS BETTING GAMES COULD BE HELD BUT THE STATE WOULD HAVE TO USE A DISCLAIMER ON ALL PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL STATING THAT THE LOTTERY IS NOT SANCTIONED BY THE LEAGUE. IN NEW JERSEY THE CASINO CONTROL BOARD, A FIVE-MEMBER INDEPENDENT BOARD, HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL CASINO REGULATIONS. THE BOARD IS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND EACH OWNER AND OPERATOR IS REQUIRED TO BE LICENSED AND SCREENED. LEGALIZED GAMBLING IS A TOOL USED BY MOST STATES TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR FINANCES AND LIMIT THE NECESSITY OF INCREASING TAXES. (AJJ)