Opposing the Lottery in the U.S.: The Forces Behind Individual Attitudes Towards Legalization in 1975

Andrew J. Economopoulos

OAI: oai:digitalcommons.ursinus.edu:bus_econ_fac-1016

In the 1970s, opposition to the lottery started to fracture in the US. This study examines causes of the fracture and historical factors that contributed to changes in individual attitudes towards legalization. The opponents at the time held to traditional arguments against legalized lotteries--negative economic effects, costs to others and increased crime. Unlike in the past, however, there was weak religious institutional opposition to lotteries. Individuals with a strong commitment to their religious affiliation were more resistant to pro-lottery arguments, but in most cases could be convinced to support the lottery. The pre-World War II generation remained steadfast against the lottery, but there was relatively greater support among the post-World War II generation. This study has examined the 1975 survey data using a logit model to predict future legalization in states with large population samples. As expected, analysis of 1975 attitudes shows that states with low levels of opposition are likely to legalize lotteries earlier than states with high levels of opposition.

state-sponsored gambling public good National Commission on Gambling Catholic Church bingo New Hampshire lottery tax revenues liberalization Crime religious opposition Protestant age demographics Behavioral economics Economics Ethics in Religion Gaming Law Social History Social Policy