ies. The successful diversification of the economy of the Cherokee Nation is considered a role model for other tribes who are attempting to decrease their reliance on gaming, particularly in the face of new forms of gaming competition, such as riverboat gambling.
Riverboat gambling is the fastest growing form of gambling in the United States. Begun in Iowa in 1989, riverboat gambling has skyrocketed into a regional craze. Mississippi boasts more than 50 casinos and five major gambling centers on its waterfront. Louisiana has granted approval for 15 riverboat casinos and Indiana for 11. Riverboat gambling has been introduced in Illinois, Texas, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia (Ackerman and Piper, 1996, p. 137). Applications for riverboat casinos are pending in a variety of other states. Numerous states that have yet to legalize this form of gambling are engaging in serious legislative debate about the subject. One reason riverboat gambling is so popular is that it is relatively easy to sell to voters.
The mainstreaming of gambling is evident from its popularity among college students. Previously, gambling was thought to be the domain of the lower classes: "Social conservatives tend to see gambling as a big negative on the values scorecard. Intellectuals feel it betokens a want of seriousness" (Seligman, 1995, p. 60). The societal perception of gambling appears to be changing. Rates of pathological or compulsive gambling have been found to be higher among college students than among the general population. About 5 percent of students enter college with problems associated with compulsive gambling; an additional 15 percent to 20 percent are considered to be at risk of becoming addicted to gambling (Ackerman and Piper, 1996, p. 138).
It is not surprising that the University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV) has more than its share of problems with student gambling. Gambling attracts millions of tourists to Las ...