The movement to legalize various forms of gambling since 1950 is outlined. The economic characteristics and political, environmental, and social effects associated with the legal casino gaming industry in Nevada in recent years are discussed. Problems presented to the police by their gambling enforcement responsibilities are examined. A zoning merit model is proposed for States considering the legalization of casino gambling. Casino gambling in Atlantic City, N.J., and the United Kingdom are examined, as well as management policy and practices in modern casino operations in the United States in general. One article demonstrates that State lotteries cannot contribute significant amounts of money to State coffers and that they have not made inroads into illegal gambling. Another article reviews the application of various sociological theories to gambling behavior and the results of the few research efforts prompted by these perspectives. An article on the gambling games young people play shows how the games may predispose adults to engage in widespread commercial gambling. An analysis of the gambling process, a review of gambling research, and a survey of philosophical, phenomenological, and theoretical interpretations of gambling suggest that the motives for gambling are highly complex. In addition, the roots, causes, and phases of pathological gambling are traced. Both professional gamblers and the people who wager on sports events are profiled. Footnotes and an index are included.