Report will chart gambling’s spread

Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 | 10:37 a.m.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The National Gambling Impact Commission is moving closer to putting together a report that will show a dramatic spread of gambling across the country within the last two decades.

The second draft of an overview chapter was given to members of the commission's Report Subcommittee on Sunday.

The draft describes how legalized gambling now has become a $40 billion-a year business that touches every facet of society.

In 1996, the draft says, Americans spent more money on gaming and wagering than on movies and recorded music combined.

Sports wagering has increased from $17.5 billion a year in 1976 to nearly $600 billion in 1996, the draft says.

The Report Committee expects to have drafts of three more chapters -- sports wagering, gambling over the Internet and advertising within the industry -- later this month.

A total of 18 chapters, including one on the commission's findings, are planned.

There will be chapters on casinos, neighborhood gaming, youth gambling, problem gambling, lotteries, Indian gaming and economic development.

The nine-member commission will conclude its two-year study of the industry on June 18, when it delivers its report to Congress and the president.