The gambling industry refers to itself in the kinder and gentler term of gaming. It’s a not-so-subtle attempt to make gambling sound like a night of harmless fun and games. Bring the family (and your wallet).
But the clientele inside many dark windowless casinos often looks more like the Port Authority bus depot on a Saturday night. Lots of elderly people sitting in front of slot machines, aimlessly pumping money into the machines. Few seem to be smiling or enjoying themselves. Where are all the pretty people seen in the casino advertisements?
Which brings us to some deadly games that took place recently at a casino in Nevada. A fistfight broke out at a casino between a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang and a rival gang. Gunshots were fired. A Hells Angels member was killed and two members of the rival Vagos motorcycle club were wounded and a third hurt in a drive-by attack hours later.
Just another innocent night of gaming at the casino. And this is the industry many state governments are turning to as a way to solve their budget problems. Beyond the social costs of more crime, divorce and bankruptcy that comes with casinos, gamblers also need to fear for their lives.
