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Gambling is the action of wagering money, or other items of value, on an event that has an uncertain outcome. The intent of placing the wager is to win money. Gambling has taken place since ancient times, originating in Europe and China, there have been some interesting statistical information gathered over the years.

The fastest growing industry in the world is Indian gambling.

National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has indicated that there are approximately 400 Indian gaming establishments in America. Indian gaming is a $27 billion a year business in the America, as of 1997.

Steve Wynn, The Mirage’s CEO, had a $1 billion dollar line of credit with Bank of America in 1996.

Wynn was listed as the 512th richest man in the world in 2011, with a net worth of $2.3 billion. The Mirage has been featured in many television shows, movies, and even video games, including The Amazing Race, Vegas Vacation, Rounders, Criss Angel: Mindfreak, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Need For Speed:Carbon.

Gambling has become a $40 billion dollar a year industry in the United States.

Gambling generates more revenue than recorded music, movies, theme parks, spectator sports, and cruise ships combined. From 1974 to 1994, the amount of money Americans legally wagered has risen from $17 billion to $482 billion, which is an astonishing 2,800 percent.

Gambling is an activity that is sure to stand the test of time. Although illegal in some areas, it generates such a significant amount of money that people cannot ignore it. And then there is the simple thrill of the game and the temptation to win large sums of money that appeal to many Americans.