This being so, they see no real distinction between going to the track to place a bet and backing their favorite horse with the local bookmaker.” First, it found that “most Americans gamble because they like to, and they see nothing wrong with it.

The report contains two interesting-and seemingly contradictory-statements. The Commission issued its final report in 1976 after three years of research. Most Americans like to gamble now and again, and most of those who don’t have no qualms about those who do. “No matter what is said or done by advocates or opponents of gambling in all its various forms, it is an activity which is practiced, or endorsed, by a substantial majority of Americans.” “Gambling is inevitable.” So began the introduction to the final report of the Commission on the Review of National Policy Toward Gambling.