U.S. gambling was once a gentlemen’s game. It rose to prominence around 400 years ago. Gambling was considered the root cause of all evil in a time when it could help colonies with their financial problems. The subject was a topic that has been debated for many years. However, gambling did not stop waiting for an answer. Different forms of gambling were created to avoid bankruptcy and other financial problems while the issues were being addressed.
A bank in Jamestown, Virginia was the first to host a gambling lottery. It was an immediate success. Although it wasn’t as successful as the state lotteries of today, it was still beneficial for a brief period. England realized that they were not making any profit from this type of gambling and banned it from all. But that didn’t last very long. All thirteen colonies were eventually allowed to continue their independence.
gambling was once a gentlemen’s game
You can now drive through the eastern states to see famous universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Yale, which were all founded by revenue from state lotteries four centuries ago. With the opening of many other venues, Americans gambling was a major factor in the rise in greed as colonies sought independence and freedom from England. This was a complex issue, but lotteries were a bigger problem that is not mentioned in history books.
State lotteries were the most prominent form of gambling, but they weren’t the only gambling in the United States. Horse races were already in existence since 1665. However, most bets were made between owners and not spectators. Casino gambling, which included dice and cards, was also a popular feature of the 1800s. As cities grew, so did the number of gambling venues and watering holes in which games could be played.
The Mississippi River was born and offered everything that it could with bartering and trading through multiple owners. This was a faster way to do business and many well-known people met on riverboats for some casino-style gambling. This was the real introduction to professional gambling. It was not uncommon to win enough money in small towns so that you could go on riverboats with the big guys. Many were soon found to be cheaters, and many would die as a result.
The state lotteries played a part in the American Revolution War. However, the Civil War ended professional gambling in the 1860s. Although it wasn’t the primary reason, it caused a business stoppage that prevented traffic from flowing up and down the Mississippi. Gambling would remain popular for sixty years and be hated by many others. Gambling booms would be created in states that have had luck, such as California and Nevada.
Al Capone and his mob used their gambling money to finance their businesses. Sports were also becoming a major betting option during these years. In the 1970s, lottery draws across the country made more than a billion dollars annually. Gambling in America was considered an everyday part of American life, and it is still today.
21st Century and the gambling industry
We are now in the 21st Century and the gambling industry is booming. Each year, billions upon billions of dollar are made. The Super Bowl is the most awaited gambling event of the year. Land-based casinos are also popping up across the country. Many Americans still protest gambling because of their family members’ ongoing struggles with addiction. The future is bright, and the government won’t be able to stop gambling revenue from being taxed.
This brings us to online gambling and the future. The United States was a leader in online gambling, but President Bush attempted to prohibit them from using bank-issued debit cards to stop the spread. U.S. players quickly realized that although adding money to other accounts, such as Netteller or Moneybookers may take some time, the final result is the exact same.
Gambling will continue to be a problem, online and offline. Others will continue to protest its morality and the values it represents. It’s a cat and mouse game that cannot be solved. And while people continue to argue back, the gambling industry will only grow. You might be tempted to place a wager on this, so hurry!
