Gambling has taken place in the United States throughout its history and has involved cards, dice, horse races, cockfights, dart games, and sports. As public attitudes toward gambling became increasingly negative, most States outlawed it. However, in recent years the legalization of gambling has spread. Twelve States now allow open gambling casinos; casinos are also permitted on Indian reservations. Thirty-four States have lotteries. Most people who gamble do so only occasionally and wager small amounts. However, poor people gamble more than wealthy people do. In addition, many people are compulsive gamblers, whose gambling resembles a drug addiction in that they become high, develop tolerance and need to gamble more, become dependent, and feel the pain of withdrawal if they stop gambling. Compulsive gamblers experience serious financial problems, lose their social supports, develop many stress-related disorders, and have a suicide rate 100 times more than the general public. Gamblers Anonymous and other recovery organizations can help compulsive gamblers. Minors are not allowed to gamble, but many do and can experience the same serious problems as adult compulsive gamblers. Strong arguments exist for and against gambling. If gambling remains legal, those who benefit from its income must make greater efforts to provide treatment and prevent minors from gambling. Addresses of recovery organizations and list of questions to tell if a person is a compulsive gambler