In a nation founded on a strong work ethic, gambling has provoked controversy in American culture as an activity that encourages laziness and greed. During the past twenty years, however, legalized gambling has spread to nearly every corner of the United States and is now viewed as a mainstream, recreational activity. Essays in this anthology examine the undeniable hold gambling has on Americans and the cultural conflicts it has generated, exploring its growth from the Las Vegas Strip to Indian casinos, convenience stores, and the Internet.