A number of smaller towns are opening up casinos in the hopes of emulating the success of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. As far as economic development goes, this is the worst idea.
Scientists may have figured out which part of the brain makes us think we can win roulette. It's part of the same knot of neurons linked to love and hunger.
Atlantic City is the canary in the coal mine for the onslaught of globalization. The wealth from the casinos doesn't trickle down to the poor neighborhoods.