Connecticut makes nearly $600 million annually in gambling revenues. It’s a staggering amount considering the small size of the state (about 3.2 million population). The Christian Science Monitor takes a look at New England casinos, pointing out the shift from traditional Puritanical views to a new view of entertainment and profits. Other states are considering opening casinos as well, with Native American tribes promising large revenues and thousands of jobs. Casinos do take a toll, however, with bankruptcy and crime created by “problem gamblers” which then costs the state money. Groups who are fighting the casinos are even comparing the gambling industry to the tobacco industry, predicting that lawsuits could arise if they don’t acknowledge the problems. It seems unlikely that a state that allows gambling will be sued, after all they allow tobacco to be sold (with sin taxes of course), so that won’t stop them from creating new revenue streams. What will be interesting to see is how much money there is to spread around. Will Connecticut’s revenues decrease if neighboring states open casinos?