Do you think that a show can influence not only the tourists but as well as the government's perception and decisions about gambling and casinos? Or do you think the impact of a film or a show isn't enough to sway people?
This is a good discussion. Governments are always looking for extra revenue, like everyone else. If they identify they can take advantage of gambling in order to raise their income, they will change their perception towards it and regulate it. For an example: gambling has been always heavily criticized and condemned by brazilian government. I've already seen several police operations directed to clandestine gambling houses (mostly, slot machines).
That is due to the fact gambling has been always illegal in the country. However, federal lottery is allowed to operate, besides some other lotteries ran by wealthy national entrepreneurs. Moreover, the media has always proudly shared the police operations.
But since the recent popularity of sports betting platforms, it seems such platforms aren't a category of gambling, because they are completely accepted in the country. More yet, sports betting platforms sponsor the local media. It may look contradictory, although it's just an evidence of how people's stances change accordingly to their personal interests.