NCJ Number
14016
Date Published
1973
Length
108 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSES THE CONTROL OF LEGAL GAMBLING, ITS IMPACT ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE EFFECTS OF GAMBLING ON LAW ENFORCEMENT IN NEVADA, AND THE RESULTS OF A PUBLIC OPINION POLL OF MONTANA RESIDENTS ON LEGAL GAMBLING.
Abstract
STRICT CONTROL OF GAMBLING OPERATIONS AND LICENSING BY A SINGLE-PURPOSE AGENCY IS RECOMMENDED. THE RESTRICTING OF PUBLIC GAMBLING TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF 'PARLORS' IS URGED. THE TYPES OF GAMES ALLOWED, HOURS OF OPERATION, MAXIMUM STAKES ALLOWED, THE AGE OF PLAYERS, AND THE LOCATIONS OF PARLORS WOULD ALSO BE SUBJECT TO REGULATION. THE CONCLUSION DRAWN FROM NEVADA'S EXPERIENCE IS THAT THE DOLLAR AND MANPOWER IMPACT OF OPEN GAMBLING ON STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT MUST BE ANTICIPATED AND ACCOMMODATED PRIOR TO LEGALIZATION. A PUBLIC OPINION POLL INDICATED THAT THE MAJORITY OF MONTANA RESIDENTS FAVOR CONTROLLED LEGAL GAMBLING IN THE INTERESTS OF INCREASING REVENUE, HOWEVER, THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT CONCERN ABOUT POSSIBLE DESTRUCTIVE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES AND INCREASED CRIME. A SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE AND TABULATED RESULTS FROM THE POLL ARE INCLUDED, ALONG WITH ATTITUDES EXPRESSED IN A SURVEY OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS.