Its Essence, Now and Then

Gambling is just here. The action itself - gaming, betting - whatever it is called, is just here to stay.

After a long while of discredit in America - while horse race betting and casino gaming lured plenty of people and money in Europe, gambling is becoming befitting once more on this side of the world.

In Nevada, gambling was legalized for almost fifty years; but the state's control on the pastime is over. And in Atlantic City, the customers are used to flying out to Las Vegas on flights financed by casinos to stay in free hotels and enjoy free drinks while they're on the tables at the Sands or Caesar's - playing cards.

There is no doubt that other localities and states will soon follow suit. Which will be first, remains to happen. Gambling was ever-present during the first century or so in the United States; if not often altogether free of observation.

In colonial times, lottery was one way to raise funds. George Washington in fact operated a lottery to finance his army, as did some of the respected establishments of higher learning like Columbia and Harvard University to have their funding started.

It was said that Thomas Jefferson was in the process of constructing a state lottery when he passed away.

The puritans, n the other hand, didn't hold with gambling - and not all Americans were Puritans. After the successful negotiation Jefferson achieved with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, riverboat and casino gambling turned out as American as the frontier.

Moreover, the Purchase, together with a territory measuring 828,000 square miles - the city of New Orleans included - was the first Monte Carlo type casinos situated in North America, including eager gamblers to extend their businesses.

In 1827, Caribbean entrepreneur John Davis was the first veritable casino gamer in the United States, opened his extravagant gambling business in New Orleans. There were casinos built in the South but nothing was really creditable of the name.

Many gambling businesses happened in the definitive shady back room that reeked of sweat and whiskey. Davis' business was incomparable. Food was served along with fine French wines instead of whiskey; and cigars were offered in silver dishes.

Shiny hardwood tables, mirrors and carpets, and various games were present, too, such as vingt-et-un, and roulette. Amazingly, Davis had developed a unique way to earn money - he equipped the odds in favor of the house.

Although someone might win at each game, the best and marked rules have made gambling a profitable business.