Compared to other missteps such as smoking and drinking, gambling is a relatively new and legal outlet for people to abuse, leading to to self-harm, unsuitable family structures and possible pressure on society. Although gaming has been around since the dawn of time, the last thirty years have brought new and more aggressive marketing, which has brought new problems. The new world of gaming is moving towards continuous and rapid mass consumption (slot machines) focused primarily on individuals betting in increasingly socially dislocated environments (Adams). Communities with gaming centers, racetracks, and casinos are often located in poorer neighborhoods in cities and suburbs. In the United States, racial and ethnic minorities are among the groups most at risk of problem gambling (Wiggins). A random-digit dial telephone survey found that 8% of Hispanics were pathological gamblers, which is four times higher than the rate of 1.8% for whites (Wiggins). From a social exchange perspective, we must ask whether the risk of increased social disruption outweighs the benefits of stimulating the local economy. Is it acceptable to damage the social fabric by increasing crime, bankruptcies and social pathologies? (Chhabra)Social exchange theory. What is real is real in its consequences, according to WI Thomas. If residents near a casino feel that they benefit from gambling, they will likely view the casino as positive for their environment. If they perceive themselves as incurring costs or being victims of a crime, they will likely view it as negative. Some communities are reporting a doubling of caseloads for social workers and continued demand existing between...... middle of paper ...... and Steve Griffiths. “Tame the casino dragon.” Community, Work and Family 13.3 (2010): 329-47. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 27, 2011. Koo, Jun, Mark S. Rosentraub, and Abigail Horn. “Roll the dice?” Casinos, Tax Revenues, and the Social Costs of Gambling.” Journal of Urban Affairs 29.4 (2007): 367-81. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 10, 2011. Momper, Sandra L. and Aurora P. Jackson. “Maternal play, parenting, and children's behavioral functioning in Native American families.” Social Work Research 31.4 (2007): 199-209. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 10, 2011. Wiggins, Lyna, Lia Nower, Raymond Sanchez Mayers and N. Andrew Peterson. “A geospatial statistical analysis of lottery outlet density in ethnically concentrated neighborhoods.” Journal of Community Psychology 38.4 (2010): 486-96. Premier Academic Research. Internet. October 28. 2011.