Going back to gambling history, it was said that gambling in America became a legitimate industry in Nevada and Atlantic City in the year the 1940s and 50s. It was said that the trace of gambling in America started as a lottery in public during the colonial era followed by New York casinos being run by a Crime syndicate in the 20th century. That said America has three historical chapters of gambling.[1]
[1]
https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/144593.pdfOn the early days of the US many of the public projects were financed by the use of lotteries, it is quite odd why at some point in time it became illegal when they had such a huge influence on the early days of the nation.
But eventually it made a comeback thanks in part to the organized crime which financed the construction and the development of Las Vegas, which is now one of the most important touristic spots on the US.